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

Marcel Marceau became a global sensation with his signature character Bip the Clown, his expressive silence and artistic mastery transforming mime into a respected art form. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

That does leave retailers less margin for error and requires a better mastery of data analytics to improve demand forecasting—making sure that what is on offer matches what shoppers want. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025

Her mastery is evident across the LP, from tapping the London Symphony Orchestra to nodding to Vivaldi and Mozart. —Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025

In other words, the faculty was told—and has been reminded ever since—that grades do not prove mastery or achievement. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 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