noun
master
MAHS-tuh
noun
1
A person with exceptional skill or deep expertise in something.
"She is a master of negotiation, closing every deal on her terms."
"He trained for decades to become a martial arts master."
2
Someone with authority or control over other people, animals, or things.
"The dog obeyed its master's every command."
3
A postgraduate degree, or someone holding one.
"She completed her master's in economics last year."
verb
1
To gain complete skill or control over something.
"It took years to master the violin."
"He finally mastered his fear of public speaking."
adjective
1
Main or most important; controlling all the rest.
"The master switch shuts off power to the whole building."
How to Use Master
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) in complete control or command of a skill, situation, or other people.
Common pairings
master craftsman
master plan
master key
master of ceremonies
Word Forms
mastered past tense, masters plural, Masters plural, masters singular
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Etymology
From Old English mæster, borrowed from Latin magister ("chief, teacher"), ultimately from an Indo-European root shared with "much" and "magnus" (great).