deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn How to pronounce deadline (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The filing came as the six-month deadline to submit governmental claims approached. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Dec. 2025 In 1984, the budget battle lasted until the very last day of the year, after Washington vetoed a spending plan passed by the City Council, and the two sides reached a compromise to pass a budget just hours before the year-end deadline, following aldermen's failure to override him. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 Last Friday’s initial release of files relating to the DOJ’s investigation into Epstein, which was published after the legal deadline set by Congress, included photos of former President Bill Clinton with Maxwell. Callum Sutherland, Time, 23 Dec. 2025 After being acquired at the trade deadline for a first-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2026, Williams made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career after previous honors in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadline

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deadline was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Deadline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadline. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

deadline

noun
dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn How to pronounce deadline (audio)
: a date or time before which something must be done

More from Merriam-Webster on deadline

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