Definitions for kingpinˈkɪŋˌpɪn

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

king•pinˈkɪŋˌpɪn(n.)

  1. (in bowling) the headpin. the pin at the center.

    Category: Sport

  2. Informal. a person or thing of chief importance.

  3. either of the pins that are a part of the mechanism for turning the front wheels in some automotive steering systems.

    Category: Automotive

Origin of kingpin:

1795–1805

Princeton's WordNet

  1. kingpin, top banana, bigwig(noun)

    the most important person in a group or undertaking

  2. kingbolt, kingpin, swivel pin(noun)

    bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle

  3. headpin, kingpin(noun)

    the front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins

Wiktionary

  1. kingpin(Noun)

    The axis around which steered wheels pivot; a bolt that holds the axis in placeu2014a kingbolt.

  2. kingpin(Noun)

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

  3. kingpin(Noun)

    The most important person in an undertaking or organization.

  4. kingpin(Noun)

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


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