super

1 of 4

adjective

su·​per ˈsü-pər How to pronounce super (audio)
1
a
: of high grade or quality
b
used as a generalized term of approval
a super cook
2
: very large or powerful
a super atomic bomb
3
: exhibiting the characteristics of its type to an extreme or excessive degree
super secrecy

super

2 of 4

noun

1
[by shortening]
a
: supernumerary
especially : a supernumerary actor
b
: superintendent, supervisor
especially : the superintendent of an apartment building
2
[short for obsolete superhive] : a removable upper story of a beehive
3
[super entry 1] : a superfine grade or extra large size
4
[origin unknown] : a thin loosely woven open-meshed starched cotton fabric used especially for reinforcing books

super

3 of 4

adverb

1
: very, extremely
a super fast car
2
: to an excessive degree

super-

4 of 4

prefix

1
a(1)
: over and above : higher in quantity, quality, or degree than : more than
superhuman
(2)
: in addition : extra
supertax
b(1)
: exceeding or so as to exceed a norm
superheat
(2)
: in or to an extreme or excessive degree or intensity
supersubtle
c
: surpassing all or most others of its kind
superhighway
2
a
: situated or placed above, on, or at the top of
superlunary
specifically : situated on the dorsal side of
b
: next above or higher
supertonic
3
: having the (specified) ingredient present in a large or unusually large proportion
superphosphate
4
: constituting a more inclusive category than that specified
superfamily
5
: superior in status, title, or position
superpower

Examples of super in a Sentence

Adjective We had a super time. “Yes, I'd love to come.” “Super! I'll see you later.” Adverb my computer is super slow this morning
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
This super blendable formula gets the stamp of approval from Navarro. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2023 And his mother, my grandmother, was super Catholic. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2023 For starters, grab your shade of this viral super serum skin tint with more than 11,000 reviews and 13 million views on TikTok, or the highlighting powder used by Pamela Anderson. Bridget Degnan, Peoplemag, 26 Nov. 2023 But this is still a solid choice for a powerful, super portable machine. Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023 Each piece is made of hard-anodized nonstick aluminum that’s dishwasher safe and super durable, and they can be used in the oven in temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023 This super soft blanket is the perfect travel companion and is made of the highest quality 4-ply Scottish Cashmere for the most comfortable warmth. Micaela Arnett, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023 Reviewers laud the super speedy delivery, the fun unboxing experience, and the high-quality, healthy materials. Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Nov. 2023 Ron DeSantis: The chief executive of the Florida governor’s super PAC stepped down as internal disputes among DeSantis supporters intensified. Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023
Noun
The Marvels star Iman Vellani isn’t going to waste her time on things outside of her (super) power. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2023 Plus, the pair got to watch Kendall Jenner–the new-gen super in the family—close the show in sleek suiting and oversized shades. Alex Kessler, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2023 She's shown a few times on screen in scenes from the '90s — including while filming the iconic music video, as well as in photoshoots with the featured supers. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023 Evidently, prior to landing his big break, the War of the Worlds actor, 61, was — in fact — the super in a New York City building in the 1980s. Staff Author, Peoplemag, 19 Oct. 2023 The supers are also currently starring in the Apple TV+ documentary The Super Models, which charts their stratospheric rise in the ’90s, and their indelible impact on the fashion industry and the wider culture. Emma Spedding, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2023 Despite making only select appearances on the runway this season, the new-gen super still walked some of the top shows, including Versace, Chanel and Miu Miu. Alex Kessler, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2023 Here's just a handful of the biggest bombshell moments from the documentary that will make audiences see these models as not just supers, but superhuman. Staff Author, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023 Carlos Cabrera, a doorman next door, said the super would often ride his scooter with his toddler to the park. Zachary Small, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023
Adverb
DeSantis and donors: DeSantis was set to meet with potential donors Monday for the new Fight Right super PAC backing his presidential bid, as his campaign welcomed the group’s support in a memo, The Washington Post reports. Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2023 Find it on Amazon This Stone Bath Mat is an Instant Bathroom Upgrade Indulge in luxury with the Stone Bath Mat, a recent sensation known for its elegant appearance and super absorbent material. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2023 Currently 25% off at Nordstrom, these suede Ugg slippers feature genuine shearling lining for a super soft and comfy feel. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 27 Nov. 2023 Rarely on sale, the legendary hair dryer regulates heat to keep hair shiny and healthy, yet still dries it super quickly. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023 Girlfriend Collective Packable Puffer A packable jacket is super helpful for traveling during colder seasons, and this discounted Girlfriend Collective puffer takes up very little space in a carry-on. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 And this glam dollhouse is super chic with a cute kitchenette, en suite bathroom, and bedroom. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023 This super soft and breathable piece is perfect for a chic and sophisticated look. Kathy Barr, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023 Their own boundaries may have pulled back, or some people might be super hungry and leaning in. Jen Doll, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'super.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

super-

Adverb

super-

Prefix

Latin, over, above, in addition, from super over, above, on top of — more at over

First Known Use

Adjective

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of super was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near super

Cite this Entry

“Super.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/super. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

super

1 of 4 adjective
su·​per ˈsü-pər How to pronounce super (audio)
1
used as an overall term of approval
a super cook
2
: very large or powerful
a super atomic bomb
3
: showing the characteristics of its type to an extreme degree
super secrecy

super

2 of 4 noun
1
: an actor not listed with the regular cast
2

super

3 of 4 adverb
1
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
a super fast car
2
: to a degree exceeding the usual or normal
super critical

super-

4 of 4 prefix
1
a
: over and above : higher in quantity, quality, or degree than : more than
superfine
superhuman
b
: exceeding or so as to exceed what is usual or normal
supercool
c
: bigger, better, or more important than others of the same kind
superhighway
superstar
2
a
: situated or placed above, on, or at the top of
superimpose
b
: next above or higher
supertonic
Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin super "over, above"

More from Merriam-Webster on super

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