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

• 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

And fourth, there must be sufficient repetition to build mastery, not just exposure. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

From Marquis Who’s Who to Elite Lawyers, Yuka’s honors celebrate more than legal mastery. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

However, what stands out to him while watching Guerrero is how his younger teammate is improving in every facet of the game, particularly in his mastery of the little things. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

This month invites you into the realms of emotional mastery and deep inner work. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

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