ringleader
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ringleader
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The ringleader ended up pleading guilty and being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison; the other three received sentences ranging from 18 months to five years.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
At a recent show the ringleader wore a red dirndl with gray knee socks and black ankle boots.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
China called on Thursday for criminal associates of accused scam boss Chen Zhi to surrender voluntarily in return for lighter sentences, after their alleged ringleader was extradited from Cambodia.
From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO—Scott Wiener, the soft-spoken, 6-foot-7 ringleader of California’s Yimby movement, really, really wants to be the next Nancy Pelosi.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025
But Paul, who was referred to as the ringleader, and the other woman who had been repeatedly arrested were sentenced to a surprising seven months in jail.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
