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.
Some provisions have a later implementation deadline. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 The deadline for a decision was Thursday, when the California Horse Racing Board had two items on the agenda about racing at Pleasanton. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Text of a continuing resolution (CR) for a government funding package was expected on Sunday ahead of the looming shutdown deadline. Aris Folley, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024 See delivery deadlines for USPS, FedEX, UPS Is the BMV in Indiana open or closed on Christmas Day? Gabe Hauari, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near deadline

Cite this Entry

“Deadline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadline. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!