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kingpin

/ˈkɪŋ.pɪn/

noun

Meaning

  • (motorized vehicles) The axis around which steered wheels pivot; a bolt that holds the axis in place—a kingbolt.

  • The pin at the centre of the triangle of bowling pins (originally the tallest pin in kayles). Sometimes also the headpin at the apex.

  • The most important person in an undertaking or organization.

  • The bolt holding together the truck of a roller skate or skateboard.

Synonyms

big cheese,
big enchilada,
big kahuna,
big noise,
big tamale,
big wheel,
bigwig,
grand poobah,
head honcho,
muckety muck,
top banana,
top dog