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

Additional support will be added as well until a student demonstrates mastery. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

The article posits that true relationship mastery begins with self-mastery, enabling leaders to show up as their best selves. — Nancy MacKay, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Physicians still pursue deep mastery in an age when most facts are a simple search away — because mastery was never really about the facts themselves. — Frances Mei Hardin, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026

Davis describes what followed in terms of confidence rather than technical mastery or coding know-how. — Will Drover, Fortune, 5 Aug. 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