linchpin

noun
UK: /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/
US: /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/

  1. A person or thing that is the most important part of a group or system.

    1. He is the linchpin of our team, without him we can't win.
    2. The CEO is the linchpin in this company, responsible for its current success.

  2. A pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position.

    1. The linchpin keeps the wheel from falling off the cart axle.
    2. Check the linchpin to make sure the wheel is secure before driving the wagon.

Synonyms

cornerstone hub anchor pivot keystone

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "linchpin" in English means: A person or thing that is the most important part of a group or system., A pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position..

The phonetic transcription of "linchpin" is /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ in British English and /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "linchpin": cornerstone, hub, anchor, pivot, keystone.

Example usage of "linchpin": "He is the linchpin of our team, without him we can't win.". More examples on the page.