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

Enter generative AI, an always-on, endlessly scalable tool that promises to automate ideation, production and even insight generation. —Sean Dallaskidd, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

New this year, the phones support automatic, always-on 10-bit HDR capture for richer color. —PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2025

The offering includes cases, workplace vocabulary, personalized learning plans and an always-on practice partner for speaking. —Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

The new streaming channel delivers an always-on sports viewing experience, with more than 50 hours of new Spanish-language content weekly, including original programming, live shows and select live sporting events. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 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