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Definition of ringleader

ringleader

/ˈrɪŋˌliːdər/
ring · lead · er
Plural:ringleaders
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ringleader Lexical Profile

ringleader Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who initiates and leads others in an illicit, rebellious, or mischievous activity.

Example

"The principal quickly identified the ringleader behind the elaborate senior class prank."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ringleader
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ringleader

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'ringleader' (an instigator of an illicit or mischievous group) with 'ringmaster' (the master of ceremonies who directs performances in a circus ring).

• Nearby Words

ringer
ringfence
ringing
ringleader
ringless
ringlet
ringlike

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century from 'ring' and 'leader', originally referring to the person who led a circular country dance before shifting to denote the chief instigator of a mutiny or plot.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ringleader. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ringleader
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