emcee

[ em-see ]

noun

1. master of ceremonies ( def ).

verb (used with object)

, em·ceed, em·cee·ing.

1. to act as master of ceremonies for.

verb (used without object)

, em·ceed, em·cee·ing.

1. to act as master of ceremonies.

emcee

/ ˌɛmˈsiː /

noun

1. a master of ceremonies

verb

1. to act as master of ceremonies (for or at)

Word History and Origins

Origin of emcee¹

1935–35, Americanism; spelling form of the abbreviation MC ( def ) or M.C. ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of emcee¹

C20: from the abbreviation MC

Example Sentences

Local drag legend Banaka was the emcee and there were performances by KC B Yoncé and Carlos Cello.

From Washington Blade

It was around the same time Lilienthal also met Amari Jordan, a local artist who had grown up in San Diego and was working on her solo career as an emcee in San Diego’s local hip-hop scene as well.

From Voice of San Diego

That’s required incorporating an emcee in addition to a number of chocolate sommeliers to make the event run smoothly.

From Vox

Actor, singer, writer, and activist Alan Cumming had just received a Tony for his performance as the emcee in the 1998 revival of “Cabaret.”

From Washington Blade

Billy Porter, who won an Emmy in 2019 for his role as emcee Pray Tell on FX’s “Pose,” is probably the one to beat since the show just took its final bow.

From Washington Post

At the same time she moonlighted for 11 years as the emcee of the Disney-syndicated game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

From The Daily Beast

Alan Cumming shimmered darkly and brilliantly as the emcee in the Cabaret performance.

From The Daily Beast

The idea, presumably, is that booking a “big” name to emcee a reality-TV show will bring in more viewers.

From The Daily Beast

Lloyd Grove hits up the after parties to see what the other stars thought of the edgy emcee.

From The Daily Beast

As the music started up, Patsy proved the emcee and her father right.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• anchor
• entertainer
• manager
• moderator
• owner
• presenter

More About Emcee

What does emcee mean?

An emcee is the person who serves as the host of an event by introducing performers, speakers, or other participants. It comes from the abbreviation MC, which stands for master of ceremonies. 

Emcee is a less formal way of saying master of ceremonies. Both terms are used in the context of events like weddings, banquets, and awards ceremonies, but, of the two, emcee is more commonly used in less formal situations.

In hip-hop, emcee is often used as a synonym for rapper, especially one skilled at lyricism.

Emcee can also be used as a verb meaning to act as an emcee.

Example: The local radio DJ acted as the emcee and introduced the competitors of the breakdancing contest.

Where does emcee come from?

The term master of ceremonies has been used since at least the 1600s, originally referring to an official who presided over royal ceremonies. The first records of emcee come from the 1930s, from the U.S. The spelling emcee is based on what it sounds like when you say the abbreviation MC (for master of ceremonies). The spelling deejay—for DJ, standing for disc jockey—is formed the same way.

At some weddings, the DJ acts as the emcee. But at other weddings and many other kinds of events, there is a dedicated emcee. Their job is typically to serve as a host, speak to the audience, and keep the show or event on track by introducing speakers, performers, or any other people involved in the event.

In hip-hop, use of the word emcee (or MC) comes from the early days of rap, when a master of ceremonies would sometimes talk to the crowd while the DJ played music. Some of them started rhyming over the beat. While emcee is often used synonymously with rapper, some people make a distinction between the terms. A rapper considered an emcee is often one who is thought to elevate the level of artistry and skill, especially lyrically.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to emcee?

• MC
• M.C.

What are some synonyms for emcee?

• master of ceremonies
• host
• rapper

What are some words that often get used in discussing emcee?

• event
• announce
• introduce
• rap
• hip-hop
• microphone

How is emcee used in real life?

Emcee is commonly used in the context of weddings and other events where guests and performers need to be introduced. It is typically used more informally than the phrase it is based on—master of ceremonies.

yesterday I was asked to emcee the wedding of two beloved friends and I AM TOO EXCITED

— Syd (@SupersonicSyd) September 21, 2018

Thanks to all who came out to the Last Laugh yesterday evening. My first time as emcee at the club and I had a ball. Next stop: Singapore!

— Tim Smith's Uber Driver (@itsmarcusryan) March 10, 2013

Sometimes you hate a beat but accept the challenge because you know the end results will be great!! That’s what emcees do.. !

— little farma (@stylesp) March 18, 2020

 

 

Try using emcee!

True or False?

The emcee is the person who is supposed to keep an event on track and will typically introduce speakers or performers.