compère
noun
a host, master of ceremonies, or the like, especially of a stage revue or television program.
compère
American
[kom-pair]
/ ˈkɒm pɛər /
Or
compere
noun
verb (used with object)
compèred,
compèring
compere
British
/ ˈkɒmpɛə /
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of compère
1730–40; < French: literally, godfather; Old French < early Medieval Latin compater, equivalent to Latin com- com- + pater father
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.
See Examples For:
I remember as a youngster coming here the first few times and hearing the sound of the masterful compère Don Goodwin facing off against the whirr of activity in the building.
From The Guardian ● May 10, 2017
Labour’s left was having fun by the sea and Mr Corbyn was its compère, tour manager and rep.
From Economist ● Oct. 1, 2015
Nor does it matter very much that a compère should be present all the while, provided that he does not take upon himself to replace the demonstration the narrative must afford, by arguments outside it.
From Aspects of Literature by J. Middleton Murry
We trammelled kings can never go free of policy—ey, my compère of England?
From Chivalry by James Branch Cabell
In The Way of all Flesh, however, a compère is always present whose business it is to say good things.
From Aspects of Literature by J. Middleton Murry
James McGrath, who is compere for the event, said he had known Marty for years, and "he's all about persistence and getting things done".
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2025
One night in 1985, Paul O'Grady was working behind the bar at a gay pub in London when he remarked that he could do a better job of hosting ladies' night than the current compere.
From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2023
After studying psychology at Queen's University Belfast, he made his first serious steps to stardom as compere at the Empire Comedy Club in the city.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2021
Antonio Pappano, tireless as pianist and compere, spoke of “reanimating the spirit of this gorgeous house”.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 21, 2020
“And now,” said Slughorn, shifting massively in his seat with the air of a compere introducing his star act.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
"If you're bringing children into the tent they are going to learn some new words," warned David Morgan, who compèred the stage on Saturday.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2022
The book is compèred by Serge Laget, one of France's great sports journalists, a veteran of a quarter-century of Tours.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 20, 2013
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
