Definition of LINCHPIN

linchpin

Plural: linchpins

Noun

  • A vital element that holds a complex structure together.
  • a central cohesive source of support and stability
    • "he is the linchpin of this firm"
  • pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
  • A pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle or shaft, so as to secure a wheel or shaft-mounted device.
  • A central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organisation.

Verb

  • To adopt as, or serve as, a central cohesive source of stability and security.

Examples

  • The LINCHPIN of her Words With Friends strategy was saving high-value letters for bingo plays.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English lynspin, compound of lins (“axletree”) and pin, from Old English lynis (“lynchpin”), from Proto-West Germanic *lunis, from Proto-Germanic *lunaz – compare German Lünse and Dutch luns – from Proto-Indo-European. Possible further cognates are Welsh olwyn (“wheel”), Old Armenian ողն (ołn, “back; spine, backbone”) and Sanskrit आणि (āṇí, “lynchpin”). Figurative use attested from the mid-20th century.

Scrabble Score: 15

linchpin: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
linchpin: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
linchpin: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

linchpin: valid Words With Friends Word