round-the-clock — continuing or available all day and night without stopping
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: continuing or available all day and night without stopping
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌraʊnd ðə ˈklɑːk/
Example Sentences
- My neighbor's baby cries round-the-clock, making me an expert on lullabies I never wanted to hear.
- The emergency hotline operates round-the-clock to assist people in crisis.
- During exam week, the library provides round-the-clock access for stressed students who've suddenly discovered caffeine.
round-the-clock
ADJECTIVE[/ˌraʊnd ðə ˈklɑːk/]
continuing or available all day and night without stopping
continuing or available all day and night without stopping
Round-the-clock guard protects every lock from shock!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in English to describe continuous, uninterrupted activity throughout a full day. It derives from the literal image of a clock's hand making complete rotations around its face, with 'round' meaning to go around or encircle, and 'clock' referring to the timepiece itself. The expression developed to signify activity that spans all 24 hours, as if the clock hand were perpetually moving around the dial.
Breakdown
round (to go around, encircle) + the (definite article) + clock (timepiece with numbered face). The phrase treats the clock face as a circular reference point, with 'round' emphasizing the complete, continuous motion around it throughout the entire day.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My neighbor's baby cries round-the-clock, making me an expert on lullabies I never wanted to hear.”
“The emergency hotline operates round-the-clock to assist people in crisis.”
“During exam week, the library provides round-the-clock access for stressed students who've suddenly discovered caffeine.”
“The factory runs round-the-clock production to meet the holiday demand.”
📚Related Words
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