sell-by date

noun

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of sell-by date

: a date printed on food packages showing the last day on which the food can be sold —sometimes used figuratively

a theory that has passed its sell-by date [=an outdated theory]

See sell-by date defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of sell-by date from the Web

For consumers who still have a bag squirreled away in cabinets or freezers, Bob's Red Mill has recalled 22-ounce bags of Amaranth Flour with an expired sell-by date of Nov. 26, 2015.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Bob's Red Mill recalls expired Amaranth flour for possible contamination (photo, product codes)," 9 Apr. 2018
But as with many of our deals, the sell-by date is two days, max.

— bridget hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Flight Deal: U.S. to Hong Kong from $550 Round-Trip," 6 Feb. 2018
The items have sell-by dates through Oct. 24 and are packaged in clear plastic trays and cups of various sizes.

— zlati meyer, USA TODAY, "Meijer, Whole Foods, others recall packaged vegetables on listeria concerns," 23 Oct. 2017
Miss Havisham from Great Expectations This boss patroness takes her single self to the extreme by ignoring not just her own sell-by date: buy a few cakes and tea sandwiches to leave out for several weeks if not months to create this look.

— Vogue, "Single This Halloween? 11 Costumes Guaranteed to Make You Stand Out From the Crowd," 20 Oct. 2017
Not bad for a three-decades-old comedy that would seemed to have passed its sell-by date years ago.

— ben brantley, New York Times, "Review: A ‘Torch Song’ Burning With Emotion Behind the Laughs," 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sell-by date.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sell-by date

1971

in the meaning defined above

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sell-by date

Definition of sell-by date

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sell-by date

Definition of sell-by date

Recent Examples of sell-by date from the Web

First Known Use of sell-by date

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