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

This super moisturizing, yet ultra-light gel cream quenches thirsty skin and increases hydration. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Trail running is increasingly evolving from a niche, counter-culture sport that ultra runners do to punish themselves into a mainstream driver for travel. — Maryann Wright, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Noun

The club’s ultras celebrated by serenading him with a post-match chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 9 July 2026

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

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"