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:

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 deadline for town clerks to submit certified signatures is June 2, giving individual towns less than a month to collect and certify any new signatures sent in by Brensley’s or other affected campaigns and access the ballot. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026 Everything was building over the past two years, from the historic in-season overhaul two seasons ago to the high-profile additions ahead of the March trade deadline, towards a championship run this spring. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 Unlike Skubal, Snell will not be a free agent this winter – or a hot trade-deadline commodity – and is not motivated to push his recovery timeline. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 The grant application deadline was May 29 and money is expected to be allocated this fall, district spokesperson Kristina Chu said. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 30 May 2026 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 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

deadline

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

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