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

Centuries later, philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre distinguished external goods, such as money and status, from goods internal to a practice, such as a farmer’s growing mastery of her land or an architect’s pursuit of elegant, functional design. — Stacy Keltner, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

The duo’s Red Marrow Media is known for its mastery of extreme-location logistics and pioneering cross-border financing models. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

My vote, though, would go to Vitinha, whose mastery of space and ability to take the right risks makes the entire pitch a danger zone for PSG’s opponents. — Senior Football, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Our mastery of synthetic chemistry is akin to a second control of fire, a biological and geological milestone in Earth history. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 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