0 a person who influences the choice of people for powerful positions within an organization
1 a person who influences the choice of people for powerful positions within an organization:
He emerged as the corporation's largest shareholder and potential kingmaker.
A kingmaker is a lame duck who retains the ability to influence (sometimes decisively) who, among other players, will win the game.
Hence, the gladiator whose turn comes first is the kingmaker.
Emirs are selected by a council of seven kingmakers.
According to history, the kingmakers were divided over who should succeed the king.
Bledsoe was among the most able politicians in the state, though he preferred the role of kingmaker to that of candidate.
He modestly declined, preferring the role of kingmaker.
Kingmakers may use political, monetary, religious, and military means to influence the succession.
He has been described as a virtual kingmaker at that time.