lynchpin

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablefigurative

   A person or thing that holds a plan, system or group together and is vital to its working.

   Grammar: Often followed by of or in: the lynchpin of the team. Linchpin is the more standard spelling.

   Patterns

   • the lynchpin of something
   • the lynchpin in something

   The head cook is the lynchpin of the whole restaurant.

   Trust is the lynchpin of any friendship.

   Her research was the lynchpin of the entire project.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalrare

   A pin pushed through the end of an axle to stop the wheel from coming off.

   Grammar: Literal, older sense; rare in everyday speech.

   Patterns

   • a lynchpin on an axle

   The wagon lost a wheel when the lynchpin snapped.

   He replaced the lynchpin on the cart before the long trip.

Word forms

Common combinations

the lynchpin of

The treaty is the lynchpin of regional peace.

a vital lynchpin

She was a vital lynchpin in the campaign.

serve as a lynchpin

The old library serves as a lynchpin for the community.

remove the lynchpin

Taking out the central rule would remove the lynchpin of the plan.

Synonyms and how they differ

linchpin

Linchpin is the standard spelling, and lynchpin is simply a common variant.

cornerstone

Cornerstone suggests a base on which something is built, rather than a piece that holds parts together.

backbone

Backbone stresses strength and support, often of a group of people.

keystone

Keystone is the central stone in an arch and implies something that locks the rest in place.

Word family

linchpin noun

the standard spelling of lynchpin

pin noun

a small piece of metal used to fasten things

axle noun

the rod that a wheel turns on

Commonly confused: lynchpin or lynching?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “lynchpin”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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