Meaning
Continuously, all day and all night, without stopping or pausing at any point during the full 24-hour cycle.
It is used to describe intense, uninterrupted effort or a service, facility, or activity that never closes or halts, whether due to necessity, dedication, or high demand.
Origin
The image refers to the physical movement of a clock’s hands as they travel all the way around the full dial face, covering every hour of the day in a single continuous sweep. The phrase became especially common in English during the industrial era, describing factories, hospitals, and later call centers and emergency services that operated in nonstop shifts.
Examples
The factory runs around the clock to meet the holiday demand.
Nurses in the intensive care unit work around the clock to monitor critically ill patients.
The pharmacy near the hospital stays open around the clock.
A: Is the customer support line always available?
B: Yes, they operate around the clock, even on holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Around the clock' mean?
Continuously, all day and all night, without stopping or pausing at any point during the full 24-hour cycle.
It is used to describe intense, uninterrupted effort or a service, facility, or activity that never closes or halts, whether due to necessity, dedication, or high demand.