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

Charlie Kirk’s mastery of social media was key to his rise as an influence in conservative politics. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

But instead of aiming for mastery overnight, founders are learning to embrace curiosity over perfection. —Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Lyndon Johnson’s mastery of Congress could not save him from Vietnam. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025

Cristóbal Balenciaga’s mastery of shape and structure — his ability to sculpt fabric into modern architecture — has always resonated with me. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 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