ultra

1 of 3

adjective

ul·​tra ˈəl-trə How to pronounce ultra (audio)
Synonyms of ultranext
: 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
By building circuits whose states naturally fluctuate with this environmental heat, thermodynamic computing turns an otherwise stochastic and chaotic feature of nature into an incredibly fast, ultra-low-energy calculator. Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026 The Stresa shoe was a key model in the collection, drawing on the aesthetic of modern unlined loafers, with a sleek silhouette thanks to the ultra-flexible sole allowing for natural movement. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 21 June 2026
Noun
Political dissent can be harshly policed outside the stadium, but domestic clubs’ most ardent fan groups, often called ultras, are brazenly outspoken in their cheering. Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 The ultras, as they are known, are a study in obsession and aggression (the clue is in the name). Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026 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 23 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster