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

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

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)