noun

ringleader

RIHNG-lee-duhr

Ringleader (noun) means the person who leads or organizes a group, especially one doing something disruptive or illegal. Example: “Police arrested the ringleader of the smuggling operation.”

noun

The person who leads or organizes a group, especially one doing something disruptive or illegal.

"Police arrested the ringleader of the smuggling operation."

"The teacher identified him as the ringleader of the classroom prank."

How to use ringleader

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe main organizer behind a group's (usually troublesome) actions.

Common pairings

ringleader of a gang suspected ringleader

Word forms

ringleaders plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Police arrested the _____ of the smuggling operation.

Etymology

From "ring" (a circle of people) plus "leader" — originally the leader at the center of a circle.

Rhymes for ringleader

Bader Nader leader trader grader reader header deader Loader invader crusader spreader

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ringleader” mean?

The word “ringleader” means the person who leads or organizes a group, especially one doing something disruptive or illegal. In plain terms, the main organizer behind a group's (usually troublesome) actions.

How do you pronounce “ringleader”?

“Ringleader” is pronounced RIHNG-lee-duhr (/ˈɹɪŋˌliːdəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ringleader” in a sentence?

Here is “ringleader” used in a sentence: “Police arrested the ringleader of the smuggling operation.”

What part of speech is “ringleader”?

“Ringleader” is a noun.