around the clock

1 of 2

phrase

variants or less commonly round the clock

1

: continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation

2

: without relaxation and heedless of time

around-the-clock

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈrau̇nd-ṯẖə-ˈkläk 

: being in effect, continuing, or lasting 24 hours a day : constant

around-the-clock surveillance

Examples of around the clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

One of the new September updates are workflows that run around the clock. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

The whistleblower claims also allege that officers were told to shackle people around the clock at one point to address a lack of staffing. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Behind the scenes, that requires operators to prioritize clear housekeeping standards, inspections, preventive maintenance, property-readiness procedures, escalation paths and around-the-clock accountability. — Jeffery Khoury, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

That around-the-clock access allows caretakers to notice even subtle changes in Mike’s condition. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for around the clock

• electroshock
• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk