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:
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 veteran forward, re-acquired by the Panthers at the NHL trade deadline on Friday, made a quick impression in his first game back in South Florida with a goal and assist in Florida’s 4-3 come-from-behind win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The state budget is due April 1, although lawmakers regularly blow past that deadline.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Two hours after the deadline swept past the Broncos’ building in Dove Valley, their then-22-year-old receiver at the center of the fanbase’s buzz sat at his locker, coolly pulling on his gear.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Consider taking a class or a workshop, something that will ask you to show up – in person or online – and will give you deadlines.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadline
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Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The state budget is due April 1, although lawmakers regularly blow past that deadline.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Two hours after the deadline swept past the Broncos’ building in Dove Valley, their then-22-year-old receiver at the center of the fanbase’s buzz sat at his locker, coolly pulling on his gear.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Consider taking a class or a workshop, something that will ask you to show up – in person or online – and will give you deadlines.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadline
Cite this Entry
“Deadline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadline. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deadline
noun
dead·line
ˈded-ˌlīn 
: a date or time before which something must be done
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