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
Phrases
on deadline or under deadline
: with the requirement of meeting a deadline
working 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.
As a strict government funding deadline approaches by the end of September, Republicans need 60 votes in the Senate – and help from Democrats – to pass a budget bill and avoid a shutdown. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 That 50-day deadline expired this week. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Senate Republicans returned to Washington Tuesday from summer break, facing warnings from within that the White House’s clawback of spending passed by Congress could jeopardize a fast-approaching shutdown deadline. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025 The team acquired 2024 All-Star Mason Miller from the Athletics at the July 31 trade deadline, and besides Suarez and Morejon, young pitchers Jeremiah Estrada and David Morgan have also served as higher-leverage options. Dennis Lin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 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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