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.
Entering the offseason, the Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette stood out as a trade option after being the subject of rumors before last season’s trade deadline. Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 Having studied the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election, both were now eying plans to disrupt each of the procedural steps between Election Day and the Inauguration, such as the December 11th deadline for each state to ascertain a winner, and the December 17th meeting of each state’s electors. The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 The Georgia Supreme Court overruled a Cobb County judge who had extended the deadline until 5pm on Friday, to compensate for the delay in sending out the ballots. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Polls closed at 7 p.m. in Arizona, but voters who were in line before that time were able to cast their ballots after the deadline. Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 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 Nov. 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
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