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

In terms of colors, Hublot, a division of LVMH, also stands out, thanks to its patented mastery of coloured ceramic watches. —Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The strong, clear, almost naïve Quattrocento manner—with its astonishing pace of invention, its decade-by-decade advances in perspective, atmosphere, and optical finesse—once played off the polished mastery of van Dyck and Holbein. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

Zhu demonstrated mastery in her nuanced pedaling techniques, skillfully manipulating the piano’s resonance to create a rich tapestry. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025

It is expressed through the mastery of mechanical complications, timekeeping precision, miniaturization, original displays, fine finishing and a vocation to always innovate. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 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