The ringleaders in a quarrel, disturbance, or illegal activity are the people who started it and who cause most of the trouble.
[disapproval]
The soldiers were well informed about the ringleaders of the protest.
ringleader in British English
(ˈrɪŋˌliːdə)
noun
a person who leads others in any kind of unlawful or mischievous activity
ringleader in American English
(ˈrɪŋˌlidər)
noun
a person who leads others, esp. in unlawful acts, opposition to authority, etc.
Word origin
ring2 + leader
Examples of 'ringleader' in a sentence
ringleader
Constant harassment of gang ringleaders is a proven tactic that will be used.
The Sun (2011)
At least one other ringleader and other gang members are still being hunted.
The Sun (2009)
Police were yesterday interviewing the ringleaders of the protest.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Why didn't the police stop it and arrest the ringleaders?
The Sun (2008)
In a further blunder the gang 's suspected ringleader was allowed to flee after detectives released him on bail.
The Sun (2015)
Another of the alleged ringleaders.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They then arrested the ringleaders.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The alleged ringleaders in the plot have been under surveillance since 2005, security sources said.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Unlike last week's looters, there were no dawn raids to arrest the ringleaders.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They went out into the street, risking their own lives, and arrested the ringleaders who wanted to see them dead.
The Sun (2006)
Police say they have rounded up the ringleaders of a gang that tried to bribe players, coaches, referees and officials.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Four alleged ringleaders of the biggest football match-fixing scandal in Europe went on trial yesterday accused of bribing players and officials in six countries.