mastery

noun

mas·​tery ˈma-st(ə-)rē 

1

a

: the authority of a master : dominion

b

: the upper hand in a contest or competition : superiority, ascendancy

2

a

: possession or display of great skill or technique

b

: skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject : command

Synonyms of mastery

• proficiency

Examples of mastery in a Sentence

We were impressed by her mastery of the subject.

She achieved a complete mastery of French.

He struggled to gain mastery of his fears.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kolek’s mastery gave the Royals (21-31) their first win of a nine-game homestand and snapped a four-game losing streak. —Jaylon Thompson may 23, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026

The professionals who grow steadily are often the ones who invest in mastery, refine their judgment, and deliver work that becomes easier to trust with time. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Some films herald the scope of their ambitions from the opening frame, whereas others start humbly with a mastery that slowly comes to the fore. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

Aligning your growing skills and powers with the Heart, Club, Spade or Diamond families will unlock a deeper mastery of your House of Cards. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maistrie, from Anglo-French mestrie, maistrie, from meistre master

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mastery

• self-mastery

Kids Definition

mastery

noun

mas·​tery ˈmas-t(ə-)rē 

plural masteries

1

: the position or authority of a master

2

: victory

3

: skill or knowledge that makes one master of something : command

a mastery of French