emcee
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012verb
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of emcee
1935–35, spelling form of the abbreviation MC ( def. ) or M.C. ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Generations of British children grew up watching Jimmy Savile as the jovial host of the kids show “Jim’ll Fix It” and the effervescent emcee of “Top of the Pops.”
From Los Angeles Times
Controversial Irish emcees Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí came to L.A. for the first time with something to prove — and let the fiery rhymes in their native tongue do all the talking.
From Los Angeles Times
When Richards was announced as the new host on Aug. 11, producers also revealed that Bialik would have an ongoing role as emcee for “Jeopardy!” prime-time and spinoff series, including a new college championship.
From Seattle Times
The former reality TV emcee joked, "The only woman that can remain chic as s--t while doing a Voldemort impersonation."
From Fox News
Both the emcee and the DJ stressed the No. 1 rule of courtside entertainment is to keep the focus on the court.
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
