compère

See also compere

English

Alternative forms

• compere

Pronunciation

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

compère (plural compères)

1. (chiefly UK) A master of ceremonies in a television, variety or quiz show. Also used more generally for any master of ceremonies.
   • 1967, Michael Glenny, chapter 12, The Master and Margarita, translation of Мастер и Маргарита by Mikhail Bulgakov, ISBN 1 86046 154 9, published 1938, page 142:

     It was Moscow’s best known compère, George Bengalsky.

   • 1984, Max Atkinson, Our Masters' Voices, page 27:

     The fact that compères routinely wait no more and no less than eight seconds before interrupting means that they decide at just that point that an audience has been clapping long enough, [...]

   • 2004-2005, Paul Ginsborg, Silvio Berlusconi, page 48:

     Suddenly compères were sipping coffee in the middle of their shows, [...]

Coordinate terms

• commère

Translations

a master of ceremonies

Finnish: juontaja (fi)

Hungarian: konferanszié (hu)

Anagrams

• compeer

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French

Etymology

Latin compater (“godfather”).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kɔ̃pɛʁ/

Noun

compère m. (plural compères)

1. partner, accomplice
2. the godfather of one's child or the father of one's godchild