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

YouTube has launched Stations, letting creators run always-on channels for rolling longer-form content. — Annie Corser, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Establishing An Always-On Voice Across Markets As production tools make quality video faster and cheaper, brands should invest in always-on, personalized video at scale. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

According to Google, the Fitbit Edge offers a week of battery life with the always-on display disabled, matching the estimate for the Fitbit Air. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

This fresh take supercharges the original’s signature mix of strategy and deception into an addictive experience built for today’s always-on audience. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for always-on

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