- (n.) 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.
- (n.) One who has attained great skill in the use or application of anything; as, a master of oratorical art.
- (v.t.) To become the master of; to subject to one's will, control or authority; to conquer; to overpower; to subdue.
- (n.) A title given by courtesy, now commonly pronounced mister, except when given to boys; -- sometimes written Mister, but usually abbreviated to Mr.
- (v.i.) To be skillful; to excel.
- (n.) A vessel having (so many) masts; -- used only in compounds; as, a two-master.
- (v.t.) To gain the command of, so as to understand or apply; to become an adept in; as, to master a science.
- (n.) A person holding an office of authority among the Freemasons, especially the presiding officer; also, a person holding a similar office in other civic societies.
- (v.t.) To own; to posses.
- (n.) One who uses or controls at will, anything inanimate; as, to be master of one's time.
- (n.) 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.
- (n.) A young gentleman; a lad or small boy.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). master. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/master/definitions/2030922 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "master" http://smartdefine.org/master/definitions/2030922 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, master, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/master/definitions/2030922>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "master" 27 May 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/master/definitions/2030922> |