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

Seven of them were arrested Germany, while Jörg S - the group's suspected ringleader - was arrested in Poland.

From BBC

Writing about the Knicks bar also taught me that, beyond the owners, these places have to have some sort of ringleader.

From Los Angeles Times

The suspected ringleader, a 40-year-old Russian national, would also be charged, prosecutors said.

From BBC

Although the ringleader was eventually sentenced to more than 40 years in jail, no action was taken against the platform, because of fears around censorship.

From BBC

His lawyers had asked for one year of house arrest and argued that Sparks, despite entering the Capitol first, was not a ringleader of the movement, but instead got swept up in events.

From BBC

Related Words

• chieftain
• instigator
• mastermind
• troublemaker