kingpin

Plural: kingpins

Noun

• A central bolt connecting an axle to a vehicle's steering mechanism.
• the most important person in a group or undertaking
• bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle
• the front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins
• The axis around which steered wheels pivot; a bolt that holds the axis in place—a kingbolt.
• The pivot or connector between a tractor and trailer in the fifth-wheel coupling of semi-trailer truck.
• The most important person in a usually evil undertaking or organization, often a druglord.
• The pin at the centre of the triangle of bowling pins (originally the tallest pin in kayles). Sometimes also the headpin at the apex.
• The bolt holding together the truck of a roller skate or skateboard.

Examples

• The KINGPIN of her strategy was always using short words to open up high-scoring lanes.

Synonyms

bigwig, headpin, kingbolt, swivel pin, top banana, druglord

Related Words

linchpin