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
Italy, with its revolving-door governments, and Greece, with its bailouts and austerity hangovers.
—
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
The effects of an introvert hangover last until the person has spent enough time alone to recharge their social battery and regain their energy.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
As Bruni suggested, the Bloody Mary is widely believed to be a hangover remedy.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
It was used to treat melancholia and, of course, hangovers, presumably due to its high caffeine content.
—Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
The effects of an introvert hangover last until the person has spent enough time alone to recharge their social battery and regain their energy.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
As Bruni suggested, the Bloody Mary is widely believed to be a hangover remedy.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
It was used to treat melancholia and, of course, hangovers, presumably due to its high caffeine content.
—Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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