deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

1

: a line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot

2

a

: a date or time before which something must be done

b

: the time after which copy is not accepted for a particular issue of a publication

see also on deadline

Examples of deadline in a Sentence

She worked on her composition right up until the deadline.

We had to hurry to meet the deadline.

The project was completed a week past its deadline.

The deadline for submitting college applications is April 19th.

They're working under a deadline.

Recent Examples on the Web

The deadline for candidates to file for election is March 6. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025

How to meet mailing deadlines amid postmark delays The importance of ensuring your mail is postmarked in time applies to a range of documents or forms that have deadlines. —Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025

That extends a buying spree that began in October and maintains a pace that has reassured American exporters, otherwise wary that Beijing’s commitment might slip amid limited visibility and unclear deadlines. —Hallie Gu, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025

On Wednesday, the Twins were blown out 13-1 the day before the deadline. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deadline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

: a date or time before which something must be done