mastery

noun

mas·​tery ˈma-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce mastery (audio)
Synonyms of masterynext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Individuals often inadvertently sabotage their own careers, mistaking these behaviors for responsibility or mastery. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Even in this elite group, Zaks’ mastery of the temporal and spatial dimensions of electronic composition makes his work stand out. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026 The actor and comedian best known for Parks and Recreation and The Last of Us has long been better known by some others for his mastery of a different creative skillset — woodworking. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 The goal is to establish a school focused on advanced tech breakthroughs, art and architecture, developing technical and visual mastery through studio practice and design labs, and also to help students build both business and tech fluency. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastery

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mastery was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing mastery

Browse Nearby Words

masterwort
mastery
mast-fed
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Cite this Entry

“Mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastery. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mastery

noun
mas·​tery ˈmas-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce mastery (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mastery

Nglish: Translation of mastery for Spanish Speakers

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