around the clock

1 of 2

phrase

variants or less commonly round the clock

1

: continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation

2

: without relaxation and heedless of time

around-the-clock

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈrau̇nd-ṯẖə-ˈkläk 

: being in effect, continuing, or lasting 24 hours a day : constant

around-the-clock surveillance

Examples of around the clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

After working around the clock for the better part of a week toward an interim bilateral trade deal, trade officials from the United States and Canada may have reached a consensus that will stave off a fresh round of punishing tariffs. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

This integrated structure allows research to continue around the clock. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

McCollough was also struggling to keep up with Watts’ around-the-clock partying, which began taking a toll on her physically and mentally. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Port officials say nuclear power could become one source of the clean, around-the-clock electricity needed as port infrastructure becomes increasingly electrified. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for around the clock

• electroshock
• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk