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

• command
• IQ
• mastership
• 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

That’s why data fluency for leaders is more essential than technical mastery. —Jani Hirvonen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Edwards showed a mastery of clutch time that had eluded him in the regular season. —Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025

However, to simply blame state subsidies for China’s mastery of EVs is reductive. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025

Known for her mastery of clean lines and sculptural, body-hugging silhouettes, Ochs brings her signature aesthetic to this brand full of statement occasion dresses. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 28 May 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