deadline

American  

[ded-lahyn] / ˈdɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the time by which something must be finished or submitted; the latest time for finishing something.

   a five o'clock deadline.

2. a line or limit that must not be passed.

3. (formerly) a boundary around a military prison beyond which a prisoner could not venture without risk of being shot by the guards.

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deadline British  

/ ˈdɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a time limit for any activity

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Other Word Forms

• postdeadline adjective

Etymology

Origin of deadline

First recorded in 1855–60; dead + line ¹

Example Sentences

Importers and exporters front-ran tariffs, rushing to ship goods to the U.S. before a series of deadlines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Right now, 68 million Americans have a deadline coming up: the deadline to decide their Medicare health coverage for next year if they’re over age 65 or have major disabilities.

From Science Daily

The court did not set a deadline for the adoption of a conscription law, but only for a debate on the issue in parliament.

From Barron's

The negotiations had been taking place against a Sunday deadline for EU countries to make initial bids for the loans, expected to be issued next year.

From BBC

Through their solicitor, they gave a deadline after which they would no longer be able to offer Liam a home, and it would become the council's duty to accommodate him.

From BBC

Related Words

• limit
• period
• time limit