around the clock

1 of 2

phrase

variants or less commonly round the clock
Synonyms of around the clocknext
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 How to pronounce around-the-clock (audio)
: 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
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.
Phrase
Sworn and civilian personnel — including detectives, crime analysts and victim advocates — have worked around the clock since the incident to process the scene and identify those involved. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Both Russia and Ukraine must now protect and repair their entire national networks around the clock; attackers can concentrate on the most vulnerable sites and strike again as soon as repairs are done. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The 44-year-old Connecticut resident and her two siblings help look after their mother, who has Alzheimer's disease and requires around-the-clock supervision. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Data centers need enormous amounts of reliable, around-the-clock electricity, and many of their operators have ambitious carbon-free energy commitments. — Jake Rozmaryn, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for around the clock

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of around the clock was in 1872

Rhymes for around the clock

See All Rhymes for around the clock

Browse Nearby Words

around the block
around the clock
around-the-clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Around the clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/around%20the%20clock. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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