sell-by date

noun

: 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a theory that has passed its sell-by date [=an outdated theory]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
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.
That passwords have reached their collective sell-by date is not new news. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Affected products were sold in 6-count clear muffin containers, with a sell-by date of 2/18/2025. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 The affected products have a sell-by date between 9/8/24 and 11/10/24. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 Too many folks, and especially Terry Bradshaw seems two years past his sell-by date. Richard Deitsch, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sell-by date

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sell-by date was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Sell-by date.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-by%20date. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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