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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Gil, her charismatic, not-yet-divorced boss, was not just the manager but the ringleader of a group of friends who referred to him as “Mr. Fun.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today, two of the killers — including the admitted ringleader — are walking free after receiving parole.

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Medvedev continued to act as the ringleader before eventually attempting to quieten the boisterous crowd.

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He filed a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court seeking to fire Democratic legislator, Gene Wu, whom he called the "ringleader" of a plot to "hijack" state government.

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Related Words

• chieftain 
• instigator 
• mastermind 
• troublemaker