Definition Definition

master - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'master' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Master [ n.]
- A vessel having (so many) masts; -- used only in compounds; as, a two-master.
- A male person having another living being so far subject to his will, that he can, in the main, control his or its actions; -- formerly used with much more extensive application than now. (a) The employer of a servant. (b) The owner of a slave. (c) The person to whom an apprentice is articled. (d) A sovereign, prince, or feudal noble; a chief, or one exercising similar authority. (e) The head of a household. (f) The male head of a school or college. (g) A male teacher. (h) The director of a number of persons performing a ceremony or sharing a feast. (i) The owner of a docile brute, -- especially a dog or horse. (j) The controller of a familiar spirit or other supernatural being.
- One who uses, or controls at will, anything inanimate; as, to be master of one's time.
- One who has attained great skill in the use or application of anything; as, a master of oratorical art.
- A title given by courtesy, now commonly pronounced mister, except when given to boys; -- sometimes written Mister, but usually abbreviated to Mr.
- A young gentleman; a lad, or small boy.
- The commander of a merchant vessel; -- usually called captain. Also, a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next above ensign and below lieutenant; formerly, an officer on a man-of-war who had immediate charge, under the commander, of sailing the vessel.
- A person holding an office of authority among the Freemasons, esp. the presiding officer; also, a person holding a similar office in other civic societies.
2 . Master [ v. i.]
- To be skillful; to excel.
3 . Master [ v. t.]
- To become the master of; to subject to one's will, control, or authority; to conquer; to overpower; to subdue.
- To gain the command of, so as to understand or apply; to become an adept in; as, to master a science.
- To own; to posses.

Meaning of 'master' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . master [ n]
Meaning (1):
- an artist of consummate skill
Example in sentence:
  • a master of the violin;
  • one of the old masters
2 . master [ v]
Meaning (2):
- have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
Example in sentence:
  • Do you control these data?
Meaning (3):
- get on top of; deal with successfully
Example in sentence:
  • He overcame his shyness
Meaning (4):
- have dominance or the power to defeat over
Example in sentence:
  • Her pain completely mastered her;
  • The methods can master the problems
Meaning (5):
- be or become completely proficient or skilled in
Example in sentence:
  • She mastered Japanese in less than two years
6 . master [ s]
Meaning (6):
- most important element
Example in sentence:
  • a master switch;
  • policemen were primary targets;
  • the chief aim of living;
  • the main doors were of solid glass;
  • the master bedroom;
  • the principal example;
  • the principal rivers of America