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

Considering the Cowboys already traded a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for Williams before the trade deadline last season, the investment into the four-time Pro Bowler stands to grow much larger. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

According to the Associated Press, Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for the member associations to accept the optional payment. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

Cornyn told reporters on Wednesday afternoon before the deadline. — Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Each year, the department faces lawsuits cataloging records inquiries that the LAPD failed to respond to by the 10-day or 24-day deadline. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 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
• brucine
• byline

Kids Definition

deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

: a date or time before which something must be done