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

After decades of multitool mastery, Leatherman entering the standalone knife game feels inevitable and overdue. —The Editors, Outside, 15 Dec. 2025

Interestingly, Cohen’s path to this level of mastery wasn’t conventional. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

Krumel has achieved high success across multiple AP courses, consistently yielding high pass rates that reflect both mastery of content and an ability to inspire students to reach their fullest potential. —Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Dec. 2025

Gunner Stockton and Georgia finally put an end to Alabama's mastery of the rivalry between Southeastern Conference powers. —CBS News, 8 Dec. 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