# capo

/ˈkɑpoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/capo
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a person who leads a group, especially in a criminal organization. It is a short way of saying 'capo di tutti capi'.

For teachers: the leader of a criminal organization, specifically the head of a mafia family. Derived from the Italian 'capo di tutti capi', meaning 'head of all heads'.

## Examples

- The capo ordered the men to move the goods.
- In the hierarchy of the organization, the capo holds the highest authority and makes all final decisions.
- The investigation revealed that the capo had been laundering money through several legitimate businesses to hide the true source of the organization's wealth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.