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

In other words, the faculty was told—and has been reminded ever since—that grades do not prove mastery or achievement. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025

From his beginnings in small-town Wyoming to his years at the heart of two Bush administrations, his life traced a path through half a century of American government—marked by strategic mastery, fierce controversy, and an unyielding belief in the exercise of authority. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

There’s just no gilding that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ growing mastery of baseball is troubling for Padres Land. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025

Fashionphile said Stewart brings polish, the mastery of living and timeless style to the partnership — and embodies the spirit of authenticity and accessible luxury. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 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