Also spelled ring-master
noun
verb
Freq #42264
Meanings
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1
noun
the person who directs and announces the acts in a circus ring
The ringmaster introduced the acrobats with a sweep of his arm.
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2
noun
figurative: a person who organizes or controls a complicated, lively, or disorderly activity
She acted as ringmaster for the crowded public debate.
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3
verb
to direct or control an event in the manner of a ringmaster
He ringmastered the sprawling awards ceremony with confidence.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A compound of ring + master. The ring is the circular performance area of a circus, and master denotes the person directing its acts. Figurative uses transfer that coordinating role to any complex or unruly event.