extra

1 of 4

adjective

ex·​tra ˈek-strə 

1

a

: more than is due, usual, or necessary : additional

extra work

In preparation for this weekend's competition, the team put in some extra hours.

—Andrew King

… has a large storage area for things like a tent, sleeping bag, mosquito netting, extra clothing, and an extra pair of boots.

—Stephanie Fitzgerald

b

: subject to an additional charge

dessert is extra

There is an entrance charge of €5 per person, and it's extra for sunbeds …

—Eilis O'Hanlon

2

: superior

extra quality

3

slang : going beyond what is usual or standard: such as

a

: extremely or excessively elaborate : extravagant

This Ontario mansion … is basically a mini castle and is so extra it even comes with a 16-foot waterfall.

—Patrick John Gilson

b

: characterized by dramatic or eccentric behavior : over-the-top

… women who are seen as too fun, too brash, too extra, too loud …

—Bonnie McLaren

"So this is my dad," she [Annisa Simao] says. "If you know him, you know he's pretty goofy, … pretty extra."

—Natalie B. Compton

extra

2 of 4

noun

1

: one that is extra or additional: such as

a

: a special edition of a newspaper

b

: an added charge

c

: an additional worker

specifically : one hired to act in a group scene in a movie, on television, or in a stage production

d

: an attractive addition or accessory : frill

cars loaded with extras

2

: something of superior quality or grade

extra

3 of 4

adverb

: beyond the usual size, extent, or degree

extra large

extra-

4 of 4

prefix

: outside : beyond

extrajudicial

Synonyms of extra

Adjective

• excess
• surplus
• additional
• spare

Noun

• spare

Adverb

• extremely
• very
• incredibly
• damn
• too
• highly
• terribly
• damned
• so
• full
• really
• much
• desperately
• badly
• super
• severely
• most
• seriously
• greatly
• far
• that
• real
• heavily
• jolly
• especially

Examples of extra in a Sentence

Adjective

a sandwich with extra mayonnaise

She got a part-time job to earn some extra money.

He gave us an extra week to finish the job.

There's no extra charge for breakfast.

Noun

The package deal includes some nice extras.

Thousands of extras were hired for the battle scene.

Adverb

You have to pay $5 extra for room service.

The food was extra good.

The roads are slippery, so be extra careful.

This is an extra special occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At Saddleback Medical Center, expectant mothers benefit from an extra layer of support – the hospital is the only one in Orange County to offer a dedicated maternity concierge to all expecting parents. —Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026

For me, the best way to survive the darkest months of the year is by upgrading my space with little luxuries that make winter feel extra cozy. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Noun

Biossance’s 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil is literally just squalane—no fillers, fragrance, or extras—which is part of why dermatologists love it. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026

Elsewhere, the Long Pool Cabana offers a sublime modern Japanese menu, with a few further Asian extras thrown in for good measure. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Adverb

The authors theorized that because such people don’t feel a strong need to belong, failure might not sting so much, and the opportunity to distinguish themselves might be extra appealing. —Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026

The University of Wyoming is stunning year-round, but there’s something extra magical about it when it’s covered in snow. —Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably short for extraordinary

Prefix

Latin, from extra, adverb & preposition, outside, except, beyond, from exter being on the outside — more at exterior

First Known Use

Adjective

1757, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1778, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing extra

• extra-base hit
• extra point
• extra-virgin
• go the extra mile

Kids Definition

extra

1 of 4 adjective

ex·​tra ˈek-strə 

: more than is due, usual, or necessary

extra

2 of 4 noun

: something extra: as

a

: a special edition of a newspaper

b

: a person hired to act in a group scene (as in a movie)

extra

3 of 4 adverb

: beyond the usual size, extent, or degree

extra long

extra large eggs

extra-

4 of 4 prefix

: outside : beyond

extracurricular

Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin extra "outside, beyond" — related to strange