Kingpin means an important or powerful person who controls a group, business, or illegal activity. It can also mean the main or most important part of something.
People use kingpin when they want to describe someone who has a lot of influence or is at the center of a plan or operation. In everyday speech, it often refers to a leader, especially someone behind the scenes who is hard to replace.
Meaning & Usage
A kingpin is usually the key person in a system or organization. In crime stories, it often means the boss of a criminal group. In other situations, it can simply mean a very important person in business, politics, or sports.
Examples
“He was the kingpin of the smuggling ring.”
“She became a kingpin in the local fashion industry.”
Context / Common Use
The word is often used in news, movies, and everyday conversation to describe someone with major control or influence. It usually sounds serious and can have a negative meaning when talking about crime.
Is kingpin always a negative word?
No. It can be negative in crime-related situations, but it can also be neutral or even positive when describing an important leader in business or another field.
Can kingpin mean the most important part of something?
Yes. It can refer to the central or most important part of a plan, group, or system.
Is kingpin used in formal English?
Yes, but it is more common in news reports, descriptions, and everyday speech than in very formal writing.
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