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.
At the end was the dean of the College of Cardinals and the master of ceremonies. Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025 An attempt to get a free birthday sundae at Friendly’s turned into a satanic ritual, with Lady Gaga serving as both waitress and master of ceremonies in the Saturday Night Live sketch. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 The pope then removes the ring and gives it to the master of ceremonies, who will have the new pope’s name inscribed on it. Christopher Watson, ABC News, 8 May 2025 Lakers play-by-play broadcaster and radio sports show host John Ireland is the master of ceremonies. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 June 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 6 Aug. 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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