linchpin
Americannoun
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a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on.
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something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together.
The monarchy was the linchpin of the nation's traditions and society.
noun
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a pin placed transversely through an axle to keep a wheel in position
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a person or thing regarded as an essential or coordinating element
the linchpin of the company
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing linchpin
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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.
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
Hormuz and a handful of maritime straits around the world have served as the linchpin of global trade since the 16th century and have fuelled geopolitical rivalries throughout history.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
This story became central to his campaign, a staple of speeches, and in the end, a crucial linchpin for his financial support.
From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026
To leaders who flirted with the idea of a new West, without America as its linchpin, he had a response: “Keep on dreaming.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
She thought about something Hazel had confided to her a few nights ago: I think Jason is the linchpin to Hera’s whole scheme.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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.
