master of ceremonies

noun phrase

Synonyms of master of ceremoniesnext
1
: a person who determines the forms to be observed on a public occasion
2
: a person who acts as host at a formal event
3
: a person who acts as host for a program of entertainment (as on television)

Examples of master of ceremonies in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not that the evenings ever get too raucous with Philip as the master of ceremonies. Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 30 May 2026 In addition to acting as master of ceremonies, Boo Mitchell, 55, played keyboards. John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 4 May 2026 But what about if or when the Hostmaster General does finally decide to retire as master of ceremonies? Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 This time, in addition to his other duties, he was called upon to act as a master of ceremonies in the days when the screen was accompanied by a stage and an emcee to provide some comic relief. Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for master of ceremonies

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of master of ceremonies was circa 1610

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Master of ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/master%20of%20ceremonies. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

master of ceremonies

: a person who acts as host at a formal event or on an entertainment program (as on television)

More from Merriam-Webster on master of ceremonies

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster