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

The pair eventually decided to promote events of their own in Evesham, a market town in England’s West Midlands, and in an effort to save money, Goodall doubled up as the master of ceremonies. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The superintendent served as master of ceremonies, with performers weaving around him, cameos by celebrities, and slide projections and film sequences appearing on cue to supplement his applause and laugh lines. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 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

Stookey was a singer and master of ceremonies at the Gaslight Cafe before joining Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers to form Peter, Paul and Mary in 1961. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for master of ceremonies

• cronies
• ponies
• testimonies

Kids Definition

master of ceremonies

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