How to Pronounce "kingpin"
word
ˈkɪŋˌpɪn
KING-pin
kˈɪŋpɪn
KING-pin
Definition
A 'kingpin' is the most important or powerful person in a group or organization, often used to describe a leader in crime or business. Literally, it also refers to a central pin in machinery or a bowling pin, but the figurative sense is much more common.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkɪŋˌpɪn
British English
kˈɪŋpɪn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KING-pin
UK
KING-pin
Listen in Context
The police arrested the kingpin of the drug ring.
He is the kingpin of the local business community.
The team lost their kingpin to injury.
He's considered the financial kingpin behind the operation.