master of ceremonies

noun phrase

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.
Lakers play-by-play broadcaster and radio sports show host John Ireland is the master of ceremonies. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 June 2025 McEntire has served as the master of ceremonies for the awards show 18 times. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2025 As seen in a Facebook video of the surprise moment, the crowd of women excitedly stretched their hands in the air as the master of ceremonies counted to three. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Other ceremony participants were Lisa Friedrichs as master of ceremonies; retired Marine Corps Brig. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Master of ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/master%20of%20ceremonies. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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

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