ultra

1 of 3

adjective

ul·​tra ˈəl-trə 

: going beyond others or beyond due limit : extreme

ultra

2 of 3

noun

: one that is ultra : extremist

ultra-

3 of 3

prefix

1

: beyond in space : on the other side : trans-

ultraviolet

2

: beyond the range or limits of : transcending : super-

ultramicroscopic

3

: beyond what is ordinary, proper, or moderate : excessively : extremely

ultramodern

Synonyms

Adjective

• extreme
• radical
• revolutionary
• rabid

Examples of ultra in a Sentence

Adjective

espouses a kind of ultra conservatism that even some members of his own party cannot support

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With the power grid on her side, she’s known to cause massive blackouts and super-charge herself to become ultra powerful. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025

Trump torpedoes crazy scheme to raise taxes: Grover Norquist interview Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist joins Rising to discuss a proposal being floated by some Republicans to increase the tax rate for the ultra wealthy. —The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

Noun

Wydad’s ultras — a 2,000-strong block of red — set off so many flares that the game had to be paused due to the fog and stench of cordite filling the nostrils of those inside Lincoln Financial Field. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Al-Khelaifi has on occasion been accused of being too permissive towards the ultras and their conduct has caused embarrassment for the club at times this season. —Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

ultra-

Noun

ultra-

Prefix

Latin, from ultra beyond, adverb & preposition, from *ulter situated beyond — more at ulterior

First Known Use

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ultra

• ne plus ultra
• ultra-civilized
• ultra-commercial
• ultra-pasteurized
• ultra-processed
• ultra-rare
• ultra vires
• ultra-wide

Kids Definition

ultra

1 of 2 adjective

ul·​tra

ˈəl-trə

: going beyond others : extreme

ultra-

2 of 2 prefix

1

: beyond : exceeding the range or limits of

ultraviolet

2

: more than is usual

ultramodern

Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin ultra "beyond"