kingpin

/ˈkɪŋˌpɪn/
noun
  1. The most important person in an organization or activity, especially in a criminal group.
    • The police arrested the drug kingpin after a long investigation.
    • He was the kingpin of the smuggling ring, controlling all operations.
    • The tech kingpin built a global empire from his garage.
  2. A central or essential part of a system or plan.
    • The new software is the kingpin of the company's growth strategy.
    • Good communication is the kingpin of a successful team.
    • The quarterback is the kingpin of the football team's offense.
  3. A vertical bolt or pin used as a pivot in a mechanical device, such as a steering mechanism.
    • The mechanic replaced the worn kingpin in the truck's steering system.
    • A broken kingpin caused the trailer to wobble dangerously.
    • The kingpin connects the axle to the wheel assembly.
Antonyms
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