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
The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has detected ultra-powerful gamma rays—reaching energies of about one quadrillion electron volts (PeV)—coming from a seemingly ordinary stellar remnant. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 To that end, Servais feels a contemporary art price adjustment will meet the demands of a market that is still in sticker shock over ultra-contemporary artworks that auction for less than their primary market cost. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
Benfica’s ultras, the Diabos Vermelhos, turned up and set off flares throughout the game. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Such severe renal failure is rare, but potentially life-threatening, and more likely when the renal system is already under duress during intense exercise, like running an ultra. Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 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 28 Apr. 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"

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