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

There’s too much change in the wind to make a forecast, but the Aztecs’ commitment to and mastery of defense, rebounding and culture should bode well. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

His images are consistently marked by a distinctive style and technical mastery. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

As one of the most foremost experts of red carpet glamour mastery, Roach has nailed it for the umpteenth time this evening with his new soft and tousled pixie. —Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

There are numerous other examples of traits that give insects mastery of land environments, but wouldn’t be as useful under the sea. —Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 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