noun
ringleader
RIHNG-lee-duhr
noun
1
The person who leads or organizes a group, especially one doing something disruptive or illegal.
"Police arrested the ringleader of the smuggling operation."
"The teacher identified him as the ringleader of the classroom prank."
How to Use Ringleader
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe main organizer behind a group's (usually troublesome) actions.
Common pairings
ringleader of a gang
suspected ringleader
Word Forms
ringleaders plural
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Police arrested the _____ of the smuggling operation.
Etymology
From "ring" (a circle of people) plus "leader" — originally the leader at the center of a circle.