always-on

adjective

al·​ways-on ˈȯl-wēz-ˈȯn 

-ˈän, 

-wəz-, 

-(ˌ)wāz-

also ˈȯ-

: always active, operating, or powered

an always-on Internet connection

When a power shortage occurs and electricity costs rise, the always-on devices scattered throughout … your facility consume increasingly expensive power.

—Gilbert Held

Examples of always-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And while it could be considered an invasion of privacy, always-on location sharing is trendy among Gen Z friends, so Instagram also added an opt-in version of that feature that allows people to pinpoint on the app’s map exactly where their friends are. —Reece Rogers, Wired News, 10 Dec. 2025

Apple Smartwatch Deals The latest in Apple's budget smartwatch lineup, the Apple Watch 3 SE now offers advanced features including an always-on display, on-device Siri processing, ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, and wrist temperature sensing — while still keeping the price low. —PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025

It’s not defined by its shootouts and red-light-always-on entertainment. —Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025

The right technology Kids live in an always-on world. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for always-on

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon