emcee
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
Usage
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.
Poehler has won a previous Golden Globes as a lead actress on “Parks and Recreation,” and emceed the show three times with her buddy Tina Fey.
During an instrumental break, he yanked the emcee onstage to two-step with him.
He also was the first sitting president to serve as the emcee for the annual ceremony.
From Los Angeles Times
The emcee, actor Edward James Olmos, welcomed the crowd with a wavering voice full of emotion.
From Los Angeles Times
Cicely Tyson, one of Whitten’s best friends, shaved her head and emceed the opening fashion show, held beneath a tent in the back parking lot.
From Los Angeles 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.