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

Balance the spotlight by sharing roles and noting deadlines, so enthusiasm turns into simple actions people trust. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

Minasian’s flurry of moves before and after the 2023 trade deadline seemed chaotic. — Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

The Mets haven’t decided whether to sell at the trade deadline or not, with Stearns saying their only goal is to win as many games as possible the rest of the season. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

October 1 is the deadline for formalizing operational plans for the upcoming water year. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deadline

• on deadline
• under deadline

Rhymes for deadline

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

Kids Definition

deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

: a date or time before which something must be done