noun
kingpin
KIHNG-pihn
Kingpin (noun) means the most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise. Example: “Police finally arrested the drug kingpin after years of investigation.”
noun
1
The most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise.
"Police finally arrested the drug kingpin after years of investigation."
2
A central pivot bolt, such as the one connecting a vehicle's steering axle or a trailer to its tractor.
"The mechanic replaced the worn kingpin on the front axle."
3
The centre pin in a set of bowling pins.
"His ball struck the kingpin dead-on for a perfect strike."
How to use kingpin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe main, most important figure running an operation (often criminal), or a central pivot bolt in machinery/bowling.
Common pairings
drug kingpin
crime kingpin
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Word forms
- Plural
- kingpins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police finally arrested the drug _____ after years of investigation.
Etymology
A compound of "king" and "pin" — originally a literal mechanical part, later extended to mean a central, indispensable figure.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “kingpin” mean?
The word “kingpin” means the most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise. In plain terms, the main, most important figure running an operation (often criminal), or a central pivot bolt in machinery/bowling.
How do you pronounce “kingpin”?
“Kingpin” is pronounced KIHNG-pihn (/ˈkɪŋ.pɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “kingpin” in a sentence?
Here is “kingpin” used in a sentence: “Police finally arrested the drug kingpin after years of investigation.”
What part of speech is “kingpin”?
“Kingpin” is a noun.
How many meanings does “kingpin” have?
“Kingpin” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the most important person in an organization, especially one running a large criminal enterprise.
