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

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There was, as team broadcaster and rally emcee Joe Davis described him, “the Hall of Fame-bound” Roberts, who now only trails Walter Alston in team history with three World Series rings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.