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
Hundreds of Amazon shoppers have given the pants a five-star rating, calling out their glove-like fit and ultra-soft lining. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 The spacious pack is ultra-functional with a large primary compartment combined with an adjustable compression strap for a comfortable yet snug fit. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
Fiorentina’s ultras refused to go to the game in protest at ticket prices but showed up on the outskirts of Pisa, smarting for a fight anyway. James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 The Pixel 10 sports a 48 MP primary, a 13 MP ultra wide, and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto—this setup is most similar to Google's foldable phone. ArsTechnica, 29 Aug. 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 15 Oct. 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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