plural masters
1
: someone who has control or power over others: such as
a
: someone (especially a man) who has a servant or slave
As a slave he was required to do his master's bidding without question.
b
: someone (especially a man) who owns a pet (such as a dog)
The dog was always obedient to its master.
c
formal
: the male head of a household
the master and mistress of the house
d
: a man who is in charge of the people on a ship
a ship's master
2
: a person who has control of something
—usually + of
He was the master of his feelings. [=he was able to control his own feelings]
She proved herself (to be) master of the situation.
We are the masters of our own destiny.
3
: a person who has become very skilled at doing something
She is a master of her craft.
a chess master
a Dutch master [=one of the great Dutch painters of the past]
—often + atHe is a master at manipulating people.
4
a
old-fashioned
: a male teacher
b
—used as a title for the male head of certain British colleges
He was Master of Balliol.
5
: a person who has received a master's degree
a master of arts
6
: an original version of something (such as a recording) from which copies can be made
7
formal + old-fashioned
—used as a title for a boy who is too young to be called Mister
Master Timothy
always used before a noun
1
: highly skilled
a master carpenter/electrician
a master storyteller
a master chef
2
: largest or most important
the house's master bedroom/bathroom
the network's master computer
3
—used to describe an original version from which other copies can be made
a master tape recording
the master copy
masters; mastered; mastering
1
: to succeed in controlling (something, such as an emotion)
He mastered [=overcame] his fear.
master a desire
2
: to learn (something) completely : to get the knowledge and skill that allows you to do, use, or understand (something) very well
She mastered French in college.
He is determined to master every aspect of the business.
Cite this Entry
“Master.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/master. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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