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

With lyrical mastery and intimate storytelling, Limón’s poetry reveals new ways of paying attention. —Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025

Doing enough makes Atsu feel nearly unstoppable after the first chapter, giving players a sense of mastery and growth. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

Sainz would still start on the front row, but next to Max Verstappen, who demonstrated his mastery of car control in changeable conditions and uncertain grip to get pole position. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025

Curvilinear mastery, however, comes in handy. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 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