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.
Bob Hope holds the record for the most times hosting the Oscars, serving as master of ceremonies 19 times. Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025 And comedian Conan O'Brien has been tapped to serve as this year's master of ceremonies. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025 Who is the Oscars 2025 host? Television veteran Conan O’Brien takes the helm as the Oscars 2025 host, marking his first appearance as master of ceremonies for Hollywood’s most prestigious event. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2025 Jimmy Fallon, who served as master of ceremonies, kicked things off with a Blues Brothers homage. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 15 Feb. 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

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 20 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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