extra
adjective
beyond or more than what is usual, expected, or necessary; additional.
extra
1 American
[ek-struh]
/ ˈɛk strə /
adjective
-
beyond or more than what is usual, expected, or necessary; additional.
an extra copy of a newspaper; an extra charge.
-
larger or better than what is usual.
an extra binding.
-
Slang.
-
extremely good.
-
over the top; extreme or excessive.
Her behavior is just so extra, so dramatic!
-
noun
-
extras
plural
-
something extra or additional.
the little amenities and extras that make life pleasant.
-
an additional expense.
-
a special edition of a newspaper, other than a regular edition.
-
something of superior quality.
-
Movies, Television. a person hired by the day to play a minor part, as a member of a mob or crowd.
-
an additional worker.
-
Cricket. Usually extras. a score or run not made from the bat, as a bye or a wide.
adverb
-
in excess of the usual or specified amount.
an extra high price.
-
beyond the ordinary degree; unusually; uncommonly.
done extra well; extra large.
extra-
2
American
extra
1
British
/ ˈɛkstrə /
adjective
noun
-
a person or thing that is additional
-
something for which an additional charge is made
the new car had many extras
-
an additional edition of a newspaper, esp to report a new development or crisis
-
films an actor or person temporarily engaged, usually for crowd scenes
-
cricket a run not scored from the bat, such as a wide, no-ball, bye, or leg bye
-
something that is better than usual in quality
adverb
extra-
2
British
prefix
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of extra1
First recorded in 1770–80; by shortening of extraordinary
Origin of extra-2
< Latin, combining form of extrā (adv. and preposition) outside (of ), without
Explanation
Something extra is more than you need or more than you usually have. It's never a bad idea to bake extra chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes extra things are good, like the extra money you made this month or the extra attention you get on your birthday. Other times, they're not so great: nobody needs extra problems or extra traffic. Extra can also be an adverb, meaning "especially" or "unusually," like when your dog behaves extra well or you plan an extra special party for your friend. Extra comes from extraordinary, from the Latin root extra ordinem, "outside normal events."
Vocabulary lists containing extra
Theater - Introductory
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Theater - Middle School
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Theater - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Disruptions to the SpaceX Starlink network could add an extra complication for some interceptors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
For example, Bass has pushed for short-term rental restrictions to be lifted during the 2028 Olympics, allowing homeowners to rent out second homes on platforms such as Airbnb for extra income.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
The question is whether the additional business compensates for the lower price and any extra infrastructure required.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Canteen staff also sometimes help with "an extra plate, a little fruit compote -- something to make it a bit easier", Abdel said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
“Let’s just go. I’m thinking we run to the nature trail, do two laps around plus an extra mile out and back, then run back home. That’s eight miles. OK?”
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Once the paneling is clean, I then suggested that she very lightly sand the light areas on the paneling with extra- or super-fine sandpaper to just scuff up the existing clear coating.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 27, 2022
Plasmids, which consist of extra- chromosomal DNA, are also present in many species of bacteria and archaea.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
It turns out that nonbelievers are the ones doing most of the magical thinking when it comes to extra-, intra-, and ultraterrestrial beings.
From Slate ● Oct. 18, 2021
The second stage of extra- and co-curricular reopening, scheduled for July 20-Aug.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 3, 2020
For a fistful of pickups tailored extra- specially for this nightmarish scenario, try Cyranofeed, available at rates as low as— She was like, “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you at Marty’s.”
From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson
The cynic in me knows that, as surely as no Gutenberg protégé engraved this stationery, the happy accident of the extras befalls every customer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
The extras were wrapped separately and bound with a paper ribbon that read: “We produced these additional samples with your order. They are sent to you, with our thanks.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
We only paid about $100 a month for some extras.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
While customers bypass extras, like the snacks at the front counter, Murillo’s costs have gone up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
With the fervor of lawyers, the inmates tried to convince St. George that mess-hall workers were paid so little they deserved any extras they could find.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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