ultra

1 of 3

adjective

ul·​tra ˈəl-trə How to pronounce ultra (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for ultra

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultra was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ultra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultra. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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"

More from Merriam-Webster on ultra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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