ne plus ultra

[ nee pluhs uhl-truh, ney; Latin ne ploos ool-trah ]

noun

1. the highest point; acme.
2. the most intense degree of a quality or state.

ne plus ultra

/ ˈneɪ ˈplʊs ˈʊltrɑː /

noun

1. the extreme or perfect point or state

Word History and Origins

Origin of ne plus ultra¹

1690–1700; < New Latin, Latin nē plūs ultrā (may you) not (go) further beyond (this point)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ne plus ultra¹

literally: not more beyond (that is, go no further), allegedly a warning to sailors inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules at Gibraltar

Example Sentences

This time, I’ll subtly nudge them toward this new cherry pie recipe from Melissa Clark, a fairly classic take on the ne plus ultra of summer pies.

From New York Times

As Huyck says, “All the President’s Men” is “the ne plus ultra” of Watergate entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times

There were killer doll movies before, but “Child’s Play” is the ne plus ultra that “M3gan” bows before.

From New York Times

The ne plus ultra, though, was the Bullocks Wilshire tea room.

From Los Angeles Times

Here is a top-notch Italian bubbly and a sublime grower champagne that shows why that region is the ne plus ultra of sparkling wine.

From Washington Post