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.
How did those three episodes end up dangling outside of the submission deadline? — Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 July 2026 Bloomberg also reported at the time that contractors were pouring a new floor every four days to meet a deadline to open. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 Platner faces a July 13 deadline to step aside and allow Democrats to name a replacement. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Here’s what to know about the impending deadline, and how to file a claim—including with a new option the IRS rolled out last week. — Connor Greene, Time, 8 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of deadline for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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