informal 10K+

Kingpin

🇬🇧 UK //ˈkɪŋpɪn// 🇺🇸 US //ˈkɪŋˌpɪn//

Meaning of Kingpin

The most important person in a group, often a leader of illegal activities.

In simple words: A main person in a group, often involved in illegal activities.

Kingpin in a sentence

• The police arrested the kingpin of the drug cartel last night.
• In the movie, the protagonist tries to take down the local kingpin.
• He became a kingpin in the underground music scene, known by everyone.
• She was considered the kingpin of the mafia, controlling all operations.
• The investigation focused on the kingpin who orchestrated the heist.

How to use Kingpin

Used informally to describe a leader in crime or a key player in any organization. It can be seen as derogatory or admiring depending on context.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'king' in a bowling alley; the kingpin is the main pin to knock down.

Related words

Collocations with Kingpin

• drug kingpin
• crime kingpin
• kingpin leader
• kingpin organization
• black market kingpin

Synonyms for Kingpin

• mastermind
• leader
• boss
• chieftain
• organizer

Opposites of Kingpin

• follower
• underling
• member

Common mistakes with Kingpin

• Confused with 'kingpin' meaning someone important in legitimate businesses.
• Used in formal contexts where a different term would be more suitable.
• Mispronounced due to the unusual spelling.

Frequently asked questions about Kingpin

What does Kingpin mean?

A main person in a group, often involved in illegal activities.

What is the definition of Kingpin?

The most important person in a group, often a leader of illegal activities.

How do you use Kingpin in a sentence?

The police arrested the kingpin of the drug cartel last night.

Can you give another example of Kingpin?

In the movie, the protagonist tries to take down the local kingpin.

What are synonyms for Kingpin?

Common alternatives include mastermind, leader, boss, chieftain, organizer.

What is the opposite of Kingpin?

Opposite meanings include follower, underling, member.

What words go with Kingpin?

It commonly pairs with drug kingpin, crime kingpin, kingpin leader, kingpin organization, black market kingpin.

What are common mistakes when using Kingpin?

Confused with 'kingpin' meaning someone important in legitimate businesses. Used in formal contexts where a different term would be more suitable. Mispronounced due to the unusual spelling.

How do you pronounce Kingpin?

US: //ˈkɪŋˌpɪn//, UK: //ˈkɪŋpɪn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Kingpin formal or informal?

"Kingpin" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Kingpin?

Used informally to describe a leader in crime or a key player in any organization. It can be seen as derogatory or admiring depending on context.