linchpin

American  

[linch-pin] / ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn /

Or lynchpin

noun

1. a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on.

2. something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together.

   The monarchy was the linchpin of the nation's traditions and society.

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linchpin British  

/ ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn /

noun

1. a pin placed transversely through an axle to keep a wheel in position

2. a person or thing regarded as an essential or coordinating element

   the linchpin of the company

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Usage

What does linchpin mean? A linchpin is the person or thing that serves as the essential element in a complicated or delicate system or structure—the one that holds everything together. This sense of linchpin is based on its original, literal meaning: an actual pin used to attach a wheel to the axle of a carriage or wagon to keep the wheel from falling off. It’s a good metaphor: a linchpin is someone or something that keeps the wheels from falling off of an operation—they keep the whole thing working. It can also be spelled lynchpin. Example: Their point guard wasn’t their main scorer, but she was the linchpin to the team’s success, and they started to lose a lot of games after she was injured.

Etymology

Origin of linchpin

First recorded in 1350–1400; unexplained alteration of Middle English linpin, lynspin, equivalent to lyns, linch, lens, Old English lynis “axle-pin, axletree” (cognate with German Lünse ) + pin pin

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Explanation

Literally, a linchpin is the pin that goes through the axle of a wheel to keep it in place, but linchpin can be used to mean an important part of anything, the thing that holds it all together. The linchpin is something that supports and holds another thing together. It’s the most important part of anything — eating well is the linchpin to staying healthy. A basketball team's most valuable player is the linchpin. The most crucial part of a plan is the linchpin. If something or someone is indispensable, she’s the linchpin. Take away the linchpin and everything falls apart.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

linchpin

The projects would have helped conserve the imperiled spiky succulents that draw millions of visitors to Joshua Tree each year and play a key role as a linchpin of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

The hips-and-knee unit, which also makes instruments to repair bones and joints, had been a linchpin of J&J’s medical-device business.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026

But those seven stocks account for around 33% of the large-cap benchmark index, making them a linchpin of investor portfolios.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

Among them are England linchpin Georgia Stanway - on a free from Bayern Munich - and Ona Batlle, the former Manchester United full-back and multiple Champions League winner from Barcelona.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

Sargo had been the linchpin in Nazi spy networks not only in Argentina, but also across all of South America.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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Related Words

• essential
• foundation
• keystone
• mainstay
• pillar

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