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. )
Explanation
The host for a performance or event can be called an emcee. If you're chosen to be the emcee for the school talent show, you'll introduce each juggler, singer, or comedian before they come onstage. Emcee was coined in the 1930s from the pronunciation of M.C., which is short for master of ceremonies. The emcee plays an important role in many forms of entertainment, as well as business events and other gatherings. Emcees introduce speakers at conventions, tell jokes and announce winners at awards ceremonies, and get the crowd excited between acts at comedy shows. You can even think of a circus ringmaster as a particularly flashy emcee.
Vocabulary lists containing emcee
Determined to Stay
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Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos
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The Black Girl Survives in This One
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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.
He’s been little more than an emcee for negotiations, but wants us to think he invented armistice.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026
He’s been little more than an emcee for negotiations, but wants us to think he invented armistice.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026
During an instrumental break, he yanked the emcee onstage to two-step with him.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
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.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025
“We’ve got one last speaker for you to hear before we send you off to save the world,” the emcee said.
From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz
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.
