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

None of this craft mastery should come as too much of a surprise. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

The Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans transformed into a temple of soulful celebration as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture’s nightly concert series delivered an unforgettable evening of musical mastery. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 6 July 2025

Altering my environment gave me more agency and mastery over my emotions. 3. —Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, CNBC, 2 July 2025

Ditch the dreary detox drinks and head to Armadillo Den for a taste of mocktail mastery. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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