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

Clock is ticking Public pressure is mounting as the Royals come up against another potential deadline in their years-long effort to build a new stadium. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency did not respond to a request for comment by deadline. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Continue reading … POLITICS WAR CHEST – $901 billion defense bill clears key Senate hurdle as year-end deadlines loom. —FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025

After France was traded to Toronto on July 31, one of nine deals the Twins made that week leading up to the deadline, Kody Clemens took most of the playing time at first base. —CBS News, 16 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