mastery
Americannoun
-
full command or understanding of a subject
-
outstanding skill; expertise
-
the power of command; control
-
victory or superiority
Other Word Forms
- nonmastery noun
- premastery noun
- remastery noun
Etymology
Origin of mastery
1175–1225; master + -y 3; replacing Middle English maistrie < Old French
Explanation
Mastery refers to having great skill at something or total dominance over something. If you are fluent in French, you have a mastery of the language. If you win every game of chess, you show a mastery of the game. Mastery is from master, who is someone knowledgeable about a subject, like a master painter. Masters are also people with power — butlers sometimes call their employer master. Mastery refers to a similar power or ability. Beethoven showed mastery in composing. Shakespeare displayed mastery in writing. Apple has had mastery over the field of computers and smartphones. Often, both senses are mixed: if someone has mastery over a field skill-wise, they probably have mastery in terms of dominance too.
Vocabulary lists containing mastery
Trumps
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Selection Vocabulary 4, Unit 5
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Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In order for the North to show it can launch a multi-warhead ICBM, it needs a test launch to prove its mastery of such technology."
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
"The true power of the Chincha wasn't just access to a resource; it was their mastery of a complex ecological system," she said.
From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026
“This home is a rare example of Swiss architectural mastery, built with exceptional quality, thoughtful details, and a focus on longevity,” Young adds.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026
He will, for example, see international crises where American power can have an effect as opportunities to demonstrate his continuing mastery of events and retain the world’s attention.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
The baroness seemed unimpressed by their mastery of poetic meter.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
