ringleader

[ ring-lee-der ]

/ ˈrɪŋˌli dər /

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noun

a person who leads others, especially in opposition to authority, law, etc.: a ringleader of revolutionary activities.

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Origin of ringleader

First recorded in 1495–1505; ring¹ + leader

Words nearby ringleader

ringgit, ringhals, ring in, ringing tone, ring knocker, ringleader, ringlet, ringlight, Ringling, ring machine, ring magnet

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ringleader in a sentence

He is said to have allegedly been the ringleader who introduced others to the methods of the illegal practices in exchange for a cut of gains they received.
Terrence Williams, Shannon Brown, Darius Miles And 15 Other NBA Players Indicted For Healthcare Scam|Joe Colucci|October 8, 2021|Essence.com
Though Brother Jed may be the ringleader, Sister Cindy is undoubtedly the star of the family’s traveling circus.
Why Is TikTok Turning a Hateful Radical Evangelist into a Viral Star?|Hannah Jackson|June 7, 2021|The Daily Beast
The shuttering of DarkSide’s operation last Thursday also has led to grousing by hackers affiliated with the group who claim they have not been paid by the ringleaders, according to cyber experts tracking the group.
U.S. government denies disrupting Russian ransomware ring that hacked Colonial Pipeline|Ellen Nakashima|May 19, 2021|Washington Post
Investigators “can’t figure out who is financing and paying for these operations” because the ringleaders hide behind anonymous shell companies, he said.
Congress bans anonymous shell companies after long campaign by anti-corruption groups|Jeanne Whalen|December 11, 2020|Washington Post

Because of this, and his role in orchestrating tens of thousands of other calls, the ringleader, Chen Wenhui, 22, was sentenced to life in prison.
Inside China’s unexpected quest to protect data privacy|Tate Ryan-Mosley|August 19, 2020|MIT Technology Review
So why did he cut a deal with an accused sex slave ringleader—and send to jail a Democratic mayor, instead?
The Best of the Beast, March 16-22||March 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Neither Ted Cruz—the ringleader of this entire effort—nor his allies have much to say.
Finally! The Republican Fever Is Broken|Jamelle Bouie|October 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Fingered by Prugo as the ringleader, Lee went to high school with Prugo at Indian Hills where she was voted “Best Dressed.”
The Real Bling Ring: Where Are They Now?|Tricia Romano|May 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Tommy, the de facto ringleader, comes off as a very charismatic, morally bankrupt cult-like figure.
Meet the Germans Having Sex to Save the World|Marlow Stern|March 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
No whip-wielding, curly-mustachioed circus ringleader will come spirit her away.
Elephant Calf Lily Rescued by Oregon Zoo|Winston Ross|February 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The ringleader, too, may have been touched by his complete loneliness, for HE hesitated.
Stories in Light and Shadow|Bret Harte
"Ef you've got anything to say to your folks, say it NOW, and say it quick," said the ringleader.
Stories in Light and Shadow|Bret Harte
Then after dinner the evening was devoted to games or stories or fun of some sort, in which Mr. Maynard was the ringleader.
Marjorie's Busy Days|Carolyn Wells
Warren Parrish, who had been a humble, successful preacher of the Gospel, was the ringleader of this apostate party.
Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow|Eliza R. Snow Smith
I returned to Sibu with Mingo, and we took with us the ringleader of the head-hunters.
Wanderings Among South Sea Savages And in Borneo and the Philippines|H. Wilfrid Walker

British Dictionary definitions for ringleader

ringleader

/ (ˈrɪŋˌliːdə) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ringleader

Origin of ringleader

Words nearby ringleader

Words related to ringleader

How to use ringleader in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ringleader