linchpin

noun

linch·pin ˈlinch-ˌpin How to pronounce linchpin (audio)

variants or less commonly lynchpin

: a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)

: one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit

the linchpin in the defense's case

Did you know?

In his 1857 novel, Tom Brown's School Days, Thomas Hughes describes the "cowardly blackguard custom" of "taking the linch-pins out of the farmers' and bagmens' gigs at the fairs." The linchpin in question held the wheel on the gig and removing it made it likely that the wheel would come off as the vehicle moved. Such a pin was called a lynis in Old English; Middle English speakers added pin to form lynspin. By the early 20th century, English speakers were using linchpin for anything as critical to a complex situation as a linchpin is to a wagon, as when Winston Churchill, in 1930, wrote of Canada and the role it played in the relationship between Great Britain and the United States, that "no state, no country, no band of men can more truly be described as the linchpin of peace and world progress."

Example Sentences

This witness is the linchpin of the defense's case.

Recent Examples on the Web White has the flashier role as Stephen and the slippery intensity to back it up, but Van Patten’s combination of insecurity and self-determination makes Lucy the true linchpin of the series.

Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 In his second year as the starting center back, Studdard is the linchpin of West Aurora’s back line.

Patrick Z. Mcgavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 And Blandine, an unlikely linchpin, brings the divine down to earth.

Clea Simon, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2022 The Heat, however, continue to be linked to a possible trade of Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, with Herro mentioned as the potential linchpin of such a deal.

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2022 China has belatedly recognized the risk of losing its European linchpin.

Tom Rogan, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 And even the child tax rebate, the linchpin of Democrats’ summer relief program, left $32.5 million — 26% of the rebate’s $125 million budget — unclaimed.

Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2022 The role of Jaques is relatively small, but Hodge calls it the linchpin of this production thanks to Baird’s performance.

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2022 Yarom Halevy, Zdorov’s attorney, has made Kravchenko into the linchpin of his defense.

New York Times, 5 Aug. 2022 See More

单词	linchpin
释义	linchpin noun linch·pin ˈlinch-ˌpin variants or less commonly lynchpin 1 : a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft) 2 : one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit the linchpin in the defense's case Did you know? In his 1857 novel, Tom Brown's School Days, Thomas Hughes describes the "cowardly blackguard custom" of "taking the linch-pins out of the farmers' and bagmens' gigs at the fairs." The linchpin in question held the wheel on the gig and removing it made it likely that the wheel would come off as the vehicle moved. Such a pin was called a lynis in Old English; Middle English speakers added pin to form lynspin. By the early 20th century, English speakers were using linchpin for anything as critical to a complex situation as a linchpin is to a wagon, as when Winston Churchill, in 1930, wrote of Canada and the role it played in the relationship between Great Britain and the United States, that "no state, no country, no band of men can more truly be described as the linchpin of peace and world progress." Example Sentences This witness is the linchpin of the defense's case. Recent Examples on the Web White has the flashier role as Stephen and the slippery intensity to back it up, but Van Patten’s combination of insecurity and self-determination makes Lucy the true linchpin of the series. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 In his second year as the starting center back, Studdard is the linchpin of West Aurora’s back line. Patrick Z. Mcgavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 And Blandine, an unlikely linchpin, brings the divine down to earth. Clea Simon, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2022 The Heat, however, continue to be linked to a possible trade of Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, with Herro mentioned as the potential linchpin of such a deal. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2022 China has belatedly recognized the risk of losing its European linchpin. Tom Rogan, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 And even the child tax rebate, the linchpin of Democrats’ summer relief program, left $32.5 million — 26% of the rebate’s $125 million budget — unclaimed. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2022 The role of Jaques is relatively small, but Hodge calls it the linchpin of this production thanks to Baird’s performance. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2022 Yarom Halevy, Zdorov’s attorney, has made Kravchenko into the linchpin of his defense. New York Times, 5 Aug. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin First Known Use 13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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linchpin

noun

Did you know?

Example Sentences

Word History