Emcee
A master of ceremonies, abbreviated MC or emcee, also called compère and announcer, and microphone controlleris the official host of a ceremony, staged event or similar performance.
The term is earliest documented in the Catholic Church since the 5th century, where the Master of Ceremonies was and still is an official of the Papal Court responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elegant and elaborate rituals involving the Pope and the sacred liturgy.
The master of ceremonies sometimes also refers to the protocol officer during an official state function, especially in monarchies.
Today, the term (for a male or its female equivalent: Commere) often connotes a master of ceremonies who presents performers, speaks to the audience, entertains people, and generally keeps a contemporary event moving. This usage occurs in the entertainment industry, including for television game show hosts, as well as in contemporary hip hop and electronic dance music culture, where “MC” refers to rap artists or performers who perform vocals for their own original material.
In addition, the term also exists in various chivalric orders and fraternal orders.
Host (noun)
One which receives or entertains a guest, socially, commercially, or officially.
“A good host is always considerate of the guest’s needs.”
Host (noun)
One that provides a facility for an event.
Host (noun)
A person or organization responsible for running an event.
“Our company is host of the annual conference this year.”
Host (noun)
A moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance.
“The host was terrible, but the acts themselves were good.”
Host (noun)
Any computer attached to a network.
Host (noun)
A cell or organism which harbors another organism or biological entity, usually a parasite.
“Viruses depend on the host that they infect in order to be able to reproduce.”
Host (noun)
An organism bearing certain genetic material.
“The so-called junk DNA is known, so far, to provide no apparent benefit to its host.”
Host (noun)
A paid male companion offering conversation and in some cases sex, as in certain types of bar in Japan.
Host (noun)
A multitude of people arrayed as an army; used also in religious senses, as: Heavenly host (of angels)
Host (noun)
A large number of items; a large inventory.
“The dealer stocks a host of parts for my Model A.”
Host (noun)
The consecrated bread or wafer of the Eucharist.
Host (verb)
To perform the role of a host.
“Our company will host the annual conference this year.”
“I was terrible at hosting that show.”
“I’ll be hosting tonight. I hope I’m not terrible.”
Host (verb)
To lodge at an inn.
Host (verb)
To run software made available to a remote user or process.
“Kremvax hosts a variety of services.”
Emcee (noun)
in its senses as
Emcee (noun)
Master of ceremonies.
Emcee (verb)
To act as the master of ceremonies (for).
Emcee (verb)
To rap as part of a hip-hop performance.
Emcee (noun)
a master of ceremonies
“a tuxedoed emcee strode to the middle of the stage”
Emcee (noun)
an MC at a club or party.
Emcee (verb)
act as a master of ceremonies at (an entertainment or large social occasion)
“he was scheduled to emcee Sunday’s award show”
Emcee (verb)
perform as an MC
“I ran the contest while Alex emceed from the DJ booth”