1
a
: of high grade or quality
b
—used as a generalized term of approval
a super cook
2
: very large or powerful
a super atomic bomb
3
: exhibiting the characteristics of its type to an extreme or excessive degree
super secrecy
1
[by shortening]
a
: supernumerary
especially
: a supernumerary actor
b
: superintendent, supervisor
especially
: the superintendent of an apartment building
2
[short for obsolete superhive]
: a removable upper story of a beehive
3
[super entry 1]
: a superfine grade or extra large size
4
[origin unknown]
: a thin loosely woven open-meshed starched cotton fabric used especially for reinforcing books
1
a(1)
: over and above : higher in quantity, quality, or degree than : more than
superhuman
(2)
: in addition : extra
supertax
b(1)
: exceeding or so as to exceed a norm
superheat
(2)
: in or to an extreme or excessive degree or intensity
supersubtle
c
: surpassing all or most others of its kind
superhighway
2
a
: situated or placed above, on, or at the top of
superscript
specifically
: situated on the dorsal side of
b
: next above or higher
supertonic
3
: having the (specified) ingredient present in a large or unusually large proportion
superphosphate
4
: constituting a more inclusive category than that specified
superfamily
5
: superior in status, title, or position
superpower
Cite this Entry
“Super.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/super. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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