: 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a theory that has passed its sell-by date [=an outdated theory]
Examples of sell-by date in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, local grocery stores that cannot move products by a sell-by date can donate them to food pantries or shelters.
—
Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The affected steaks—which have a sell-by date of September 13, 2024, but may be sitting in consumers' freezers—should be returned to Costco for a full refund.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Northwest Naturals told consumers Tuesday to toss their Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food if its sell-by date falls between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
—Doha Madani, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024
Call out the strategies that are past their sell-by date.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sell-by date 
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Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
The affected steaks—which have a sell-by date of September 13, 2024, but may be sitting in consumers' freezers—should be returned to Costco for a full refund.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Northwest Naturals told consumers Tuesday to toss their Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food if its sell-by date falls between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
—Doha Madani, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024
Call out the strategies that are past their sell-by date.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sell-by date
Dictionary Entries Near sell-by date
Cite this Entry
“Sell-by date.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-by%20date. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
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