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

Vocally, van den Heever falls short of the comprehensive mastery shown by Karita Mattila in the Met’s previous production. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Data mastery and airtight security are inseparable components of retail success. —Nitesh Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

The automotive industry stands out for its supply chain mastery—especially in terms of traceability, supplier collaboration and just-in-time manufacturing. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 15 May 2025

Some advice is certainly helpful, but the idea of mastery in parenting is an illusion—one that seems to lurk just beyond an ever-receding horizon. —Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 5 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