HOW TO PRONOUNCE
linchpin
/ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:05
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What does linchpin mean?
noun
- A pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle or shaft, so as to secure a wheel or shaft-mounted device.
- (figuratively) A central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organisation.
verb
- To adopt as, or serve as, a central cohesive source of stability and security.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
That ass, Pumblechook, used often to come over of a night for the purpose of discussing my prospects with my sister; and I really do believe (to this hour with less penitence than I ought to feel), that if these hands could have taken a linchpin out of his chaise-cart, they would have done it.