: 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a theory that has passed its sell-by date [=an outdated theory]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
Talking of sell-by dates, the main stand is well past its best and is the worst in the league — and is rightfully being replaced.
—
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Refrigerated eggs are safe for three weeks, even past their sell-by date, if stored properly in their carton.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
The affected meal kits have sell-by dates between March 5 and March 16.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Mar. 2026
Most of the food had passed its sell-by date, but no one cared.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sell-by date
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.
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Refrigerated eggs are safe for three weeks, even past their sell-by date, if stored properly in their carton.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
The affected meal kits have sell-by dates between March 5 and March 16.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Mar. 2026
Most of the food had passed its sell-by date, but no one cared.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sell-by date
Cite this Entry
“Sell-by date.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-by%20date. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
