Kingpin: meaning, definitions and examples

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kingpin

[ ˈkɪŋˌpɪn ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

A powerful or influential person within a particular sphere, especially in the criminal underworld.

Synonyms

bigwig, boss, leader, tycoon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kingpin	Reiterating the same as above because of duplication. It's used for a major figure in a significant activity or organization, frequently with negative associations. The police focused on catching the kingpin behind the illegal arms trade
leader	Used to describe someone who guides or directs a group. It’s a positive and broad term applicable in various situations, from communities to organizations. She is a natural leader who inspires her team to do their best
boss	Commonly used to refer to someone who is in charge or leads a group of people in a workplace. It’s straightforward and neutral. My boss gave me a new project to work on
bigwig	Used in a more informal context to describe an important person, often in business or politics. It’s slightly humorous or casual. All the bigwigs from the company are attending the annual conference
tycoon	Used to refer to a wealthy and powerful person, particularly in business. It implies success, wealth, and influence. The media tycoon expanded his empire to several new countries

Examples of usage

The kingpin of the drug cartel was finally arrested by the authorities.
She was known as the kingpin of the illegal gambling ring in the city.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

bowling

The pin at the center of a group of ten pins in bowling, which is the object of the bowler's aim.

Synonyms

center pin, head pin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kingpin	Used to describe a central or most important element in a system, organization, or operation. Often associated with leadership or crucial roles in various fields. When used in a negative context, it can refer to a leader of a criminal organization. She is the kingpin of the company's marketing department. The police managed to arrest the kingpin of the drug cartel.
center pin	Typically used in mechanical or technical settings to describe the central supporting element of a structure or machine. The engineer adjusted the center pin to ensure the machine operates smoothly. In this type of equipment, the center pin plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.
head pin	Mostly used in bowling to refer to the front and foremost pin in the triangular pin setup. It can also colloquially refer to someone in charge or in a leading position within a team or group. He aimed his shot directly at the head pin. Jane is the head pin of our project team, coordinating all tasks and ensuring deadlines are met.

Word

Description / Examples

kingpin

Used to describe a central or most important element in a system, organization, or operation. Often associated with leadership or crucial roles in various fields. When used in a negative context, it can refer to a leader of a criminal organization.

She is the kingpin of the company's marketing department.
The police managed to arrest the kingpin of the drug cartel.

center pin

Typically used in mechanical or technical settings to describe the central supporting element of a structure or machine.

The engineer adjusted the center pin to ensure the machine operates smoothly.
In this type of equipment, the center pin plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.

head pin

Mostly used in bowling to refer to the front and foremost pin in the triangular pin setup. It can also colloquially refer to someone in charge or in a leading position within a team or group.

He aimed his shot directly at the head pin.
Jane is the head pin of our project team, coordinating all tasks and ensuring deadlines are met.

Examples of usage

He managed to hit the kingpin and get a strike in the final frame.
The kingpin wobbled but didn't fall down, leaving him with a difficult spare.

Translations

Translations of the word "kingpin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça

chefe
mandachuva

🇮🇳 गिरोह का नेता

🇩🇪 Bandenchef

🇮🇩 bos

🇺🇦 голова

🇵🇱 szef

🇯🇵 ボス

🇫🇷 caïd

🇪🇸 capo

🇹🇷 patron

🇰🇷 두목

🇸🇦 زعيم العصابة

🇨🇿 šéf

🇸🇰 šéf

🇨🇳 头目

🇸🇮 šef

🇮🇸 höfuð

🇰🇿 басшы

🇬🇪 ბოსი

🇦🇿 patron

🇲🇽 capo

Etymology

The term 'kingpin' originated in the 17th century, where 'king' referred to a leader or monarch, and 'pin' referred to a peg or nail. Over time, it evolved to describe a powerful or influential person, particularly in criminal or illicit activities.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,146 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34143 esteeming
34144 debunk
34145 outnumbering
34146 kingpin
34147 roiled
34148 fatuity
34149 lampoon
...