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
see also:
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.
Trump personally signed the legislation just last month and his move came just two days before a deadline set in the law itself for its implementation. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 The Brewers even have their own version of the White Flag trade, dealing star closer Josh Hader to the Padres for four players with the team in first at the 2022 deadline. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 And Tesla has already missed its original deadline by several years. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Calendar the crash claim’s deadline independently of the CRN record. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing deadline

Rhymes for deadline

See All Rhymes for deadline

Browse Nearby Words

deadlight
deadline
deadliness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deadline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadline. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deadline

noun
dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn How to pronounce deadline (audio)
: a date or time before which something must be done
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