hangover
noun
hang·over
ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər 
1
: something (such as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past
2
a
: disagreeable physical effects following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
b
: a letdown following great excitement or excess
Did you know?
The effects of hangovers have been hanging around for ages. The word itself, however, has only been fermenting since the late 19th century. Originally, hangover described someone or something that remained or simply survived, but it was later distilled into common use as a word for the effects of overconsumption of alcohol or drugs. These days, hangover can also suggest an emotional letdown or an undesirable prolongation of notes or sounds from a loudspeaker.
Examples of hangover in a Sentence
She woke up with a hangover.
Recent Examples on the Web
These may be especially useful for hangover recovery.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
And this is world-class hangover acting by the wobbly, squinting Schwarzenegger, aided by blurry camera work from writer-director Mike White.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
However, Gomes is confident that the winter moves have given the Dodgers some added adrenaline for 2025 and will offset a potential championship hangover.
—John Perrotto, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
These were woozy tales for a time of countercultural hangover.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
And this is world-class hangover acting by the wobbly, squinting Schwarzenegger, aided by blurry camera work from writer-director Mike White.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
However, Gomes is confident that the winter moves have given the Dodgers some added adrenaline for 2025 and will offset a potential championship hangover.
—John Perrotto, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
These were woozy tales for a time of countercultural hangover.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
Cite this Entry
“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hangover
noun
hang·over
ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər
1
: something (as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past
2
: a sick uncomfortable state that comes from drinking too many drinks of alcoholic beverage
Medical Definition
hangover
noun
hang·over
-ˌō-vər
: disagreeable physical effects (as headache or nausea) following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
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