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 law extended the program for two years, setting the current expiration deadline and giving lawmakers another opportunity to revisit possible reforms. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026

The tax deadline to file federal taxes is April 15, 2026. —Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

That deadline would have expired late Monday, Washington time. —Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026

Most election offices have already printed flyers, signs and even ballot envelopes with the current election deadlines for use in November. —ABC News, 24 Mar. 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
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

: a date or time before which something must be done