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

Create a sustainable visibility system If the always-on approach to social media isn’t your thing, create a system that respects your need for recharge time while maintaining consistent visibility. Block one day each month for content creation. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Key features: Over 50 always-on channels, great sci-fi content, live sports, multiple news channels, 68% discount, year-long subscription. —Alexander Cox, Space.com, 28 May 2025

In today’s always-on, always available culture, multitasking is worn like a badge of honor, especially among midlife women balancing careers, families, aging parents and personal goals. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 May 2025

Key features: 68% discount, over 50 always-on channels, great sci-fi content, live sports, multiple news channels, year-long subscription. —Alexander Cox, Space.com, 21 May 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