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Synonyms

master of ceremonies

American  

noun

  1. a person who directs the entertainment at a party, dinner, nightclub, radio or television broadcast, or the like, acting as host and introducing the speakers or performers. M.C., MC


master of ceremonies British  

noun

  1.  MC.  a person who presides over a public ceremony, formal dinner, or entertainment, introducing the events, performers, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of master of ceremonies

First recorded in 1655–65

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.

She’s not a diva belting out choruses and taking up space—instead, she sometimes seems like a master of ceremonies, someone hosting the party rather than hogging the spotlight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

According to The Times’ archives, he joined golf’s Celebrity Tour and was its permanent master of ceremonies.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

The musician, 31, is performing as Zidler – the show's eccentric master of ceremonies – marking her highly anticipated Broadway debut.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Pap, as he liked to be called, presided as master of ceremonies.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

The master of ceremonies made the introductions with the flare of a circus ringmaster asking the audience to direct its attention please to the center ring.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

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