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

High-functioning teams have an always-on approach and are consistently scanning for opportunities to insert their brand into relevant conversations. —Starr Million Baker, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

The Pro iPhones are still the only ones that support the always-on display. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2025

According to official OnePlus estimates, the Watch 3 promises 120 hours (5 days) of battery life in its default smart mode with the always-on display turned off, or 16 days in power-saving mode. —PCMAG, 18 Feb. 2025

With over 50 always-on channels, Peacock has a fine selection of shows and movies to watch on demand. —Paul Brett, Space.com, 11 Feb. 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