nonstop

American  

[non-stop, non-stop] / ˈnɒnˈstɒp, ˈnɒnˌstɒp /

adjective

1. being without a single stop en route.

   a nonstop bus; a nonstop flight from New York to Paris.

2. happening, done, or held without a stop or pause or without offering relief or respite.

   The ambassador faced a nonstop schedule of meetings and interviews during her visit.

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adverb

1. without a single stop en route.

2. Informal. without a pause or interruption or without respite; continually.

   My back ached nonstop for three days.

noun

1. a long-distance airline flight that makes no stops between the starting point and the destination.

nonstop British  

/ ˈnɒnˈstɒp /

adjective

1. done without pause or interruption

   a nonstop flight

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Etymology

Origin of nonstop

First recorded in 1900–05; non- + stop

Explanation

Things that are nonstop keep going all the time without pausing. A week of nonstop rain can cause flooding, and be pretty gloomy too. You can use the word nonstop as an adjective or adverb, and while it can literally mean "without stopping," it's also frequently used in an exaggerated way, to mean "a lot of the time." Your friend's description of a nonstop dance party or a nervous substitute teacher who giggles nonstop are examples of this. A nonstop plane flight, on the other hand, literally flies from one city to another without landing at another airport on the way.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonstop

Because airfare is highly sensitive to demand, the busiest travel days generally coincide with the highest prices, while less-crowded days can mean savings — or even a more appealing nonstop flight.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

“I’d been going nonstop since I was 8 years old,” he told People in 2013.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

Known as The Flying Kangaroo for the logo displayed on its tail fin and elsewhere, Qantas has already scheduled its first nonstop Sydney-to-London flight for October 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art announced its inaugural film programs to run nonstop throughout the day in two dedicated theaters.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Lottie slides in beside Marlena and talks nonstop, almost without pausing for breath.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• ceaseless
• constant
• endless
• incessant
• interminable
• relentless
• round-the-clock
• steady
• unbroken
• unending
• uninterrupted