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

Group chats operated around the clock, filled with memes, tactical analysis and predictions that aged poorly within minutes. — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

The order mandates clean drinking water around the clock, nutritious meals and daily sanitation, plus overhauled medical care, disability accommodations and independent monitors overseeing compliance. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026

Adjective

And Rocket Lab’s satellite control team kicked into gear for around-the-clock operations. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026

Nearby, one of Marc Sijan’s life-like polyresin Security Guard sculptures provides around-the-clock surveillance. — Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 July 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