masters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, academic, professional.
Quick answer
What does “masters” mean?
A person or entity having control, authority, or great skill.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or entity having control, authority, or great skill; a postgraduate academic degree.
A title for a male teacher, a skilled practitioner of a craft, the victor in a contest, an original from which copies are made. Can also refer to a course of study leading to a Master's degree.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In academia, 'Masters' (capitalized) is sometimes used as shorthand in the UK (e.g., 'doing a Masters'), whereas US usage more consistently requires the possessive ('master's degree' or 'master's'). Historical/figurative uses like 'masters of the universe' are identical.
Connotations
Historical connotations of slavery and servitude are equally strong in both varieties. In academic contexts, the term carries positive prestige.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in academic contexts due to the common phrasing 'graduate school' and specific degree names (e.g., Master of Science).
Grammar
How to Use “masters” in a Sentence
[Subject] masters [Object] (skill/task)[Subject] is/are the masters of [Domain][Subject] earned/took a masters in [Field]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masters” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She quickly masters new software programmes.
- One must master the fundamentals first.
American English
- He mastered the art of grilling.
- The team struggled to master the new regulations.
adjective
British English
- The masters programme requires a dissertation.
- He consulted the master list.
American English
- She is in a master's program at Harvard.
- Send it to the master bedroom.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to individuals with expert-level control or skill, e.g., 'masters of negotiation'.
Academic
Primarily denotes the postgraduate degree (Master of Arts/Science, etc.) or a senior academic figure.
Everyday
Used for skilled individuals (e.g., 'a master of DIY'), or in historical contexts (e.g., 'masters and servants').
Technical
In computing/media: 'master copy', 'master file', 'master server'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masters”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masters”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masters”
- Writing 'Masters degree' without the apostrophe (should be 'master's degree').
- Using 'masters' as a singular verb with a plural subject (e.g., 'He masters the skill' is correct; 'They masters' is wrong).
- Capitalizing unnecessarily in mid-sentence (e.g., 'I have a Master's' – only capitalize when stating the full title: 'Master of Arts').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Master's' is the possessive form, used for the degree (master's degree). 'Masters' (without apostrophe) is the simple plural, referring to multiple skilled people or multiple degrees colloquially.
Only capitalize when it's part of the official degree title (e.g., Master of Science). Do not capitalize in general references (e.g., 'She earned a master's degree').
The base form 'master' is the verb meaning to acquire complete knowledge or skill in something. 'Masters' is the third-person singular present tense form (e.g., 'He masters every challenge').
In informal British English, 'a Masters' (often capitalized) is a common shorthand for 'a master's degree' (e.g., 'I'm doing a Masters'). In formal and American writing, 'a master's' (with apostrophe) is preferred.
A person or entity having control, authority, or great skill.
Masters is usually formal, academic, professional. in register.
Masters: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːstəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Masters of our own destiny”
- “Jack of all trades, master of none”
- “Serve two masters”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MASTER key that opens many locks; a MASTER's degree opens many doors.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/CONTROL IS MASTERY (He mastered the subject). A DEGREE IS A POSSESSION (She has a master's).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'masters' used correctly to refer to an academic degree?