Meaning of linchpin in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈlɪn(t)ʃpɪn/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Noun

    linchpin

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old Englishlynis (in the sense ‘linchpin’) + pin

    Definitions

    1. a central cohesive source of support and stability

    Examples

    • « faith is his anchor »
    • « the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money »
    • « he is the linchpin of this firm »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on

Famous quotes

  • « When Christians start thinking about Jesus, things start breaking down, they lose their faith. It's perfectly possible to go to church every Sunday and not ask any questions, just because you like it as a way of life. They fear that if they ask questions they'll lose their Christ, the very linchpin of their religion. »
    A. N. Wilson

Browse dictionary