use-by date
C1Formal to neutral, primarily commercial/regulatory and everyday in literal sense; metaphorical use is journalistic/colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
The final date recommended for consuming a perishable food product while it is safe and at its best quality, as determined by the manufacturer.
More broadly, the point beyond which something is considered outdated, ineffective, or no longer viable; a figurative expiry date for ideas, technologies, or practices.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a UK/Commonwealth term; emphasizes safety/quality from a manufacturer's perspective. Not to be confused with 'best before' (quality) or 'sell-by' (retail stock control). The metaphorical extension is productive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'use-by date' is the standard, legally defined term for perishable food safety. In the US, the equivalent regulatory term is typically 'expiration date' or 'expiry date', though 'use-by date' is understood and sometimes used on packaging.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries an official, safety-oriented connotation. In the US, it may sound slightly more formal or British. The metaphorical use is understood in both regions.
Frequency
High frequency in UK everyday and commercial contexts; medium-low frequency in US, where 'expiration date' is dominant for the literal meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [NOUN] has a use-by date of [DATE].[VERB] the use-by date on the [NOUN].It is [ADJECTIVE] past its use-by date.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Past its use-by date (figurative: outdated).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial in food retail, logistics, and quality control for inventory management and legal compliance.
Academic
Used in public health, food science, and sustainability studies discussing food waste.
Everyday
Common when checking food freshness and safety at home or while shopping.
Technical
A specific regulatory labelling term with legal implications for food safety.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Always check and adhere to the use-by date.
American English
- Make sure to note the use-by date on the dairy products.
adjective
British English
- The use-by-date legislation is strictly enforced.
American English
- Look for the use-by date information on the lid.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The milk has a use-by date. It is tomorrow.
- You shouldn't eat yoghurt if it's past its use-by date.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Use it BY this date, or you might say bye to your health.'
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A COMMODITY WITH AN EXPIRY / IDEAS ARE PERISHABLE GOODS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'дата использования-к'. The correct Russian equivalent is 'срок годности' (literally 'period of validity').
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'best before date' (about quality, not safety). Writing it as 'use by date' without the hyphens when used as a compound noun modifier (e.g., use-by date label).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of a 'use-by date'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not recommended. The use-by date is a safety limit set by the manufacturer.
'Use-by' is about safety (do not eat after). 'Best before' is about quality (may be safe but not at its best after).
Yes, but you should freeze it before the use-by date expires, and it must be thoroughly cooked after defrosting.
Primarily, yes. In American English, 'expiration date' is the more common equivalent, though 'use-by' is understood.