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

Adjective

• extreme
• extremist
• fanatic
• fanatical
• rabid
• radical
• revolutionary
• revolutionist

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

With the power grid on her side, she’s known to cause massive blackouts and super-charge herself to become ultra powerful. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025

Trump torpedoes crazy scheme to raise taxes: Grover Norquist interview Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist joins Rising to discuss a proposal being floated by some Republicans to increase the tax rate for the ultra wealthy. —The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

Noun

At the ground, the ultras, famous for their grandiose pre-match choreographies, did not prepare one — as many of the leaders have been arrested or placed under investigation after the Curva Nord’s infiltration by the ‘Ndrangheta, the fearsome Calabrian mafia. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 June 2025

Yosh is an avid trail runner and has raced in ultras like the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run, Behind the Rocks Ultra, and the Run Rabbit Run. —Mallory Arnold, Outside Online, 25 May 2025

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"