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.
Now that the deadline is creeping up, there's a last-minute scramble overwhelming some Department of Motor Vehicle offices. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 Mayo, who last week competed at the Portsmouth (Virginia) Invitational for college seniors/NBA prospects, was one of several college players with no remaining eligibility to enter the portal Monday, one day ahead of Tuesday’s final deadline for portal entry. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025 In a letter to Gov. Hochul Monday, Duffy set his third in a row of seemingly toothless deadlines, telling the state to end the congestion toll by May 21. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025 The deadline for implementation has been delayed several times, most recently because of the pandemic. Taylor Johnston, CBS News, 21 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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