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

First, the hangover from the first Fed meeting chaired by Kevin Warsh, which spooked stocks and bonds with its hawkish tone. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 June 2026

So either the wedding will be long over, the confetti swept up, the guests all sent home with hangovers…or Bon Jovi will just plug in and keep the party going. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026

No one has ever enjoyed a hangover like New York in the aftermath of an NBA title. — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 21 June 2026

The party was over in the Condo Capital of the World, and the economic hangover was beginning to set in. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hangover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover
• pullover

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids 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