always-on

adjective

al·​ways-on ˈȯl-wēz-ˈȯn How to pronounce always-on (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now, for many people, audio is an always-on layer of life. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 The battery easily pushed through 33 hours with the always-on display, even with sleep tracking enabled. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 9 June 2025 Getty Images An always-on culture decreases retention and creates a revolving door of talent, Sarah Wernér, co-founder of Husmus, told CNBC. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for always-on

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of always-on was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Always-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/always-on. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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