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 of ultra

Adjective

• extreme
• radical
• rabid
• revolutionary

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

Spirit Airlines, headquartered in South Florida, is one of the nation's largest ultra-low-cost carriers and serves dozens of destinations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 June 2026

This ultra-premium spirit stands out for its exceptional six-year aging process in white American oak, double the minimum for an Extra Añejo, achieving a rare harmony between wood and agave. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 14 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

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"