masters

word · lemma: master

/ˈmæstɝz/
MAS-turz
/mˈɑːstəz/
MAH-stuhz

Definition

'Masters' is the plural of 'master'. It can mean people with great skill, people who control others or own servants or animals in older or specific contexts, or master's degrees in education.

Usage & Nuances

The most common modern meaning depends on context: in education, 'masters' often refers to master's degrees; in skill contexts, it means experts. Be careful: the ownership/control meaning can sound old-fashioned, historical, or socially sensitive. In sports or event names, 'Masters' may be part of a proper noun, like a tournament name.

Example Sentences

By the end of the tour, they were masters at answering tough customer questions.

natural

These artists are masters of color and light.

basic

Both of my sisters have masters in education.

basic

In old stories, dogs often obey their masters.

basic

A lot of people get masters later in life while working full-time.

natural

The game makes you face a series of masters before the final boss.

natural