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

Large, always-on systems use much more energy, raising concerns about their long-term impact on the environment. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

Connectivity had transformed from being deskbound and centered around one’s PC to becoming an always-on, portable, digital resource network woven into daily life. —Mallik Tatipamula, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025

The large Pixel Watch 4 lasted an impressive 56 hours in real-world use with the always-on display enabled. —PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025

For the always-on-the-go friend (or the one who always ends up with shampoo spilled in her suitcase), the Kitsch Travel Bottle Set is a great option. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 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