Kingpin: meaning, definitions and examples

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kingpin

[ ˈkɪŋˌpɪn ]

^{Context #1}

crime

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

Synonyms

bigwig, boss, leader, tycoon

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}

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

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

Word origin

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.