emcee

[em-see]

noun

1. master of ceremonies.

verb (used with object)

emceed, emceeing 

1. to act as master of ceremonies for.

verb (used without object)

emceed, emceeing 

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, 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

“Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, an obsessive player of the game herself, serves as the emcee in the TV version.

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He DJ’d on live radio continuously for 79 years, and emceed legendary music revues almost that long.

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On “The Daily Show,” which airs on Paramount-owned Comedy Central and has rotating hosts, Jon Stewart suited up for emceeing duties outside his usual Monday slot.

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This year the White House Correspondents’ Dinner canceled a planned appearance by comedian Amber Ruffin, the latest in a series of kerfuffles over controversial emcees of that event.

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Cheerleaders and the band went through boisterous pregame routines before a crowd of about 1,400 as a ceremony hosted by emcee Lorenz Evans honored notables close to the program.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.