ringleader

[ring-lee-der]

noun

1. a person who leads others, especially in opposition to authority, law, etc..

   a ringleader of revolutionary activities.

ringleader

/ ˈrɪŋˌliːdə /

noun

1. a person who leads others in any kind of unlawful or mischievous activity

Word History and Origins

Origin of ringleader¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; ring ¹ + leader

Example Sentences

My Uncle Emmanuel—the ringleader of these jokes—smiles at me.

Read more on Literature

Two 45-year-old Iraqi Kurds identified as the ringleaders of the smuggling network received the heaviest terms -- 12 and 15 years -- over the deaths of seven Afghans trying to reach the English coast.

Read more on Barron's

Investigators first became suspicious when the septuagenarian ringleader attempted to sell two supposedly original paintings by Picasso on the art market.

Read more on BBC

Teddy, the ringleader, is sure he can prove it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A person wearing a chicken suit and stylized American-flag cape appeared to be the ringleader.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chieftain 
• instigator 
• mastermind 
• troublemaker