noun / verb
emcee
em-SEE/ˈɛmsˈi/
An event host who introduces participants and engages the audience, or to act as one.
The emcee introduces each performer and keeps the audience entertained.
Etymology
M.C. abbreviates “master of ceremonies,” the title for the person overseeing an event's proceedings. Saying those initials aloud produced the name for its host or presenter.
In context
once a good crowd is gathered the emcee asks couples who've been married less than a year to leave the dance floor but the newlyweds stay
More examples
- We need an emcee for the school talent show.
- She emcees the annual awards dinner.
- He emceed the fundraiser and introduced every speaker.
Forms
emcee · emcees · emceed · emceeing
Similar words
- host
- Can include welcoming guests and organizing, not just addressing audiences.
- announcer
- Primarily delivers information rather than guiding and entertaining an audience.