compère

or com·pere

[ kom-pair ]

noun

1. a host, master of ceremonies, or the like, especially of a stage revue or television program.

verb (used with object)

, com·pèred, com·pèr·ing.

1. to act as compère for:

   to compère the new game show.

compere

/ ˈkɒmpɛə /

noun

1. a master of ceremonies who introduces cabaret, television acts, etc

verb

1. to act as a compere (for)

Word History and Origins

Origin of compère¹

1730–40; < French: literally, godfather; Old French < early Medieval Latin compater, equivalent to Latin com- com- + pater father

Word History and Origins

Origin of compère¹

C20: from French, literally: godfather; see compeer , compadre

Example Sentences

"In Danielle Moore the Nottingham outfit have a frontwoman who combines the voice of a soul diva, the moves of a burlesque dancer and the wit of a nightclub compere."

From BBC

The film shows Paul in the role of compere - warming up the audience, introducing the various acts, and then getting involved with different elements of the show, which is held twice a day for most of the summer.

From BBC

He studied psychology at Queen's University in Belfast before making his first serious steps into stardom as compere at the Empire Comedy Club in the city.

From BBC

One night in 1985, Paul O'Grady was working behind the bar at a gay pub in London when he remarked that he could do a better job of hosting ladies' night than the current compere.

From BBC

Backed by an eight-member orchestra conducted by Victor Simonson, Compere and Dennis’s Bible-thumping Bell divvy up the bulk of the blues and spiritual numbers, reminding us again and again how vast a space Black musicianship occupies in America’s musical heritage.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• emcee
• moderator
• ringmaster