linchpin

noun

linch·​pin ˈlinch-ˌpin How to pronounce linchpin (audio)
variants or less commonly lynchpin
1
: a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
2
: one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit
the linchpin in the defense's case

Did you know?

In his 1857 novel, Tom Brown's School Days, Thomas Hughes describes the "cowardly blackguard custom" of "taking the linch-pins out of the farmers' and bagmens' gigs at the fairs." The linchpin in question held the wheel on the gig and removing it made it likely that the wheel would come off as the vehicle moved. Such a pin was called a lynis in Old English; Middle English speakers added pin to form lynspin. By the early 20th century, English speakers were using linchpin for anything as critical to a complex situation as a linchpin is to a wagon, as when Winston Churchill, in 1930, wrote of Canada and the role it played in the relationship between Great Britain and the United States, that "no state, no country, no band of men can more truly be described as the linchpin of peace and world progress."

Examples of linchpin in a Sentence

This witness is the linchpin of the defense's case.
Recent Examples on the Web In a world inundated with choices and overflowing with information, brand recognition, and a unified, multi-channel messaging strategy are re-emerging as the linchpins of successful marketing. Dara A. Busch, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Yet, digital advancements, such as automation, are quickly becoming linchpins in addressing slow, manual, and error-prone tasks hindering procurement efficiency. Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Stephenie Stewart, the longtime manager whom McClelland described as the linchpin of the whole place, has luckily stuck around to keep the show running and to maintain the vibe after the ownership change. Allison Dikanovic, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 In some ways, the most important linchpin in the rotation could be Glasnow. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2024 There are some big questions to answer this offseason, including the looming free agency of defensive linchpins Jones and Sneed and the lack of reliable receivers around Kelce and Rashee Rice, but Mahomes just proved that he and the Chiefs should never be considered underdogs. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2024 Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, two of the linchpins of the Philadelphia Phillies’ success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and Andruw Jones, Atlanta’s 10-time Gold Glove center fielder. Jim Alexander, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2024 The message is clear: preparation and prioritization are the linchpins of achievement. Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 Learning from past challenges, addressing financial gaps, and ensuring transparent practices will be the linchpins of a successful and equitable global energy transformation. Monica Sanders, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linchpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linchpin was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Linchpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linchpin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

linchpin

noun
linch·​pin ˈlinch-ˌpin How to pronounce linchpin (audio)
: a pin inserted crosswise through something (as the end of an axle or shaft) to keep things in place
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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