mistress of ceremonies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (C1)Formal, professional, traditional
Quick answer
What does “mistress of ceremonies” mean?
A woman who acts as the host or presenter of a formal event, introducing speakers or performers and guiding the programme.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who acts as the host or presenter of a formal event, introducing speakers or performers and guiding the programme.
A woman in charge of the sequence and smooth running of a public or social event, ensuring it proceeds according to schedule. In some contexts, especially in feminist or modern discourse, it can metaphorically refer to a woman who is a central, guiding figure in a field or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with the same meaning. The abbreviation 'MC' (for Master of Ceremonies) is equally common for both genders in informal contexts in the US, while in the UK the full gendered titles are more often preserved in formal contexts.
Connotations
In both: formal, slightly dated, but still correct. In modern UK usage, 'compère' (of either gender) is a common alternative. In the US, 'emcee' is a frequent informal spelling of 'MC'.
Frequency
More frequent in the US in traditional contexts like pageants, award shows, and formal dinners. In the UK, it may be slightly more associated with very formal or archaic occasions, with 'host' being overwhelmingly preferred in media.
Grammar
How to Use “mistress of ceremonies” in a Sentence
[Person] will act as mistress of ceremonies for [Event].[Event] was hosted by [Person], the mistress of ceremonies.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mistress of ceremonies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will mistress-of-ceremonies the charity ball next week.
American English
- She's been asked to mistress of ceremonies the awards dinner.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used for formal corporate award nights.
Academic
Very rare. 'Chair' or 'moderator' is standard.
Everyday
Uncommon. 'Host' or 'hostess' is typical.
Technical
Not a technical term. Used in event management and broadcasting as a formal role title.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mistress of ceremonies”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mistress of ceremonies”
- Using it for a male (use 'master of ceremonies').
- Misspelling 'ceremonies' as 'ceremonys'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'host' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is less common than 'host' or 'presenter' in everyday language but remains standard and correct for formal, traditional, or ceremonial events where a gendered title is preferred.
The direct male equivalent is 'master of ceremonies', often abbreviated to 'MC' or spelled 'emcee'.
Yes, in modern and informal contexts, 'MC' is often used as a gender-neutral term. However, in strict formal writing, the full gendered title may be specified.
A 'hostess' generally welcomes and looks after guests at a social event (like a dinner party). A 'mistress of ceremonies' has a specific public, procedural role of announcing and guiding the official programme of a formal event.
A woman who acts as the host or presenter of a formal event, introducing speakers or performers and guiding the programme.
Mistress of ceremonies is usually formal, professional, traditional in register.
Mistress of ceremonies: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪstrəs əv ˈserɪməniz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪstrəs əv ˈserəˌmoʊniz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To play mistress of ceremonies (to take charge of proceedings)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **Mistress** (a woman in charge) holding a list of **Ceremonies** (formal events) she is running.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUIDE AS CONDUCTOR (she orchestrates the event). CONTAINER (she holds the event together within its schedule).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mistress of ceremonies' LEAST likely to be used today?