noun
kingpin
KIHNG-pihn
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
Word Forms
kingpins plural
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Etymology
A compound of "king" and "pin" — originally a literal mechanical part, later extended to mean a central, indispensable figure.