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ultima Thule

American  
[uhl-tuh-muh thoo-lee, ool-ti-mah too-le] / ˈʌl tə mə ˈθu li, ˈʊl tɪˌmɑ ˈtu lɛ /

noun

  1. (italics) the highest degree attainable.

  2. the farthest point; the limit of any journey.

  3. the point believed by the ancients to be farthest north.


ultima Thule British  
/ ˈθjuːlɪ /

noun

  1. another name for Thule

  2. any distant or unknown region

  3. a remote goal or aim

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ultima Thule

First recorded in 1655–65; literally, farthest Thule

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.

But you make no mention of that almost fabulous will-o'-the-wisp, that ultima Thule of all cribbage players, the "29 hand."

From Time Magazine Archive

Thus last February Los Angeles station KNX announced the advent of What's On Your Mind?, the ultima Thule in audience-participation shows.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sixteen miles to the westward, like a blue cloud on the horizon, rises the ultima Thule of Devon, the little isle of Lundy.

From Sir Walter Raleigh and His Time by Kingsley, Charles

Venient annis sæcula seris Quibus Oceanus vincula rerum Laxet, et ingens pateat tellus, Tethys que novos detegat orbes, Nec sit terris ultima Thule.

From Prince Henry the Navigator, the Hero of Portugal and of Modern Discovery, 1394-1460 A.D. With an Account of Geographical Progress Throughout the Middle Ages As the Preparation for His Work. by Beazley, C. Raymond

Penetanguishene is at present the ultima Thule of the British military posts in North America.

From Canada and the Canadians Volume I by Bonnycastle, Richard Henry