meneur

leader, ringleader

noun muh-NUR Rare

Usage Note

Meneur implies someone who drives or leads a group, often with an energetic or sometimes manipulative edge — un meneur de jeu is a playmaker in sport. The feminine is meneuse. It differs from dirigeant (formal leader) by emphasizing the dynamic, mobilizing quality of leadership.

Examples

"Le meneur du groupe a pris la parole."

Natural Translation

The group's leader spoke up.

Literal Translation

The ringleader of the group took the floor.

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