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

Orr hired Campbell away from Oregon, where the coach’s mastery in recruiting helped boost the Ducks to national prominence. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026

Over the decades that followed, Wong redefined the visual grammar of American cinema through his mastery of wide-angle lenses, low-key lighting techniques and his development of the crab dolly. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

There’s too much change in the wind to make a forecast, but the Aztecs’ commitment to and mastery of defense, rebounding and culture should bode well. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

His images are consistently marked by a distinctive style and technical mastery. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 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