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

Adjective

Snowplows are working around-the-clock in affected areas, ADOT said. —Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026

The alert system puts in place precautions including around-the-clock maintenance of the roadway and possible closure and detours around the Grapevine. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

This is roughly equivalent to a large conventional nuclear reactor which is capable of delivering reliable, around-the-clock power 24 hours a day. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

Omar said six officers provided around-the-clock protection for her and her family. —Michael Biesecker, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for around the clock

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