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

Unlike homes and many businesses, where electricity use fluctuates throughout the day and with the seasons, data centers require enormous amounts of power around the clock, regardless of weather. — H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026

You also get built-in Wi-Fi for remote app control, 8 months of battery life, and a sturdy IP53 weather-resistant design to ensure your home stays protected around the clock. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Adjective

On a typical grid, there are few incentives for providing around-the-clock renewable energy. — ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026

The 44-year-old Connecticut resident and her two siblings help look after their mother, who has Alzheimer's disease and requires around-the-clock supervision. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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