master

Definitions

1. noun

   A person who is in control of someone or something.

   Examples

   • The captain is master of his ship.
   • He became master of his own fate.
2. noun

   The owner of an animal or, in the past, of an enslaved person.

   Examples

   • The dog obeyed its master's every command.
   • In that time, a master held total power over enslaved people.
3. noun

   The captain of a trading ship.

   Examples

   • The master gave the order to lift anchor.
   • He was master of the cargo ship for ten years.
   ≈skipper≈captain
4. noun

   In old-fashioned use, the man who heads a household.

   Examples

   • The master of the house welcomed the guests himself.
   • The servants answered to the master.
5. noun

   A person who gives work to others.

   Examples

   • The master paid his workers fairly.
   • She became master of the small workshop when her father retired.
6. noun

   A person who is very skilled at something.

   Examples

   • Mark Twain was a master of fiction.
   • She is a master of chess.
   ≈adept≈ace≈artist≈buff≈crackerjack +19 more
7. noun

   A skilled worker who can teach apprentices.

   Examples

   • He trained with a master carpenter for seven years.
   • She became a master and began to take on apprentices.
8. noun

   In old-fashioned use, a male teacher.

   Examples

   • The master gave extra homework that evening.
   • Students respected the strict old master.
9. noun

   A very skilled artist.

   Examples

   • The painting was the work of a true master.
   • Critics called her a master of the craft.
10. noun

    An old title for a boy or young man.

    Examples

    • The invitation was addressed to Master James.
    • Master Thomas was expected at the party at six.