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.
He was traded to the Cavs at the deadline and has since started one game and come off the bench for the other with Cleveland. Zach Harper, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 The Bulls had lost 13 of their last 17 games before Thursday and traded their best player at the deadline. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Lebanon: Israeli forces retained control over strategic border points in southern Lebanon, as a deadline passed yesterday for both Israel and Hezbollah to leave the region. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 In response to the period during which reporting requirements were paused, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has extended the filing deadline to March 21, 2025. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 19 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 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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