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

Any kid who grew up in a major city in the ‘70s and ‘80s probably remembers their version of the kind of rundown joints that played kung fu movies nonstop.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

He was on a nonstop series of calls on his cellphone during the entire meal and then asked for a second date.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Southwest Airlines launched its first service to Anchorage with daily nonstop flights from Denver and Las Vegas.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"We've been preparing the houses for all the guests to come, so it's just been a bit nonstop," said Roberts.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and when I came back to my room, my phone was beeping nonstop.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

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