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
But the drink grew in popularity through the mid-2010s as young people used it as a hangover cure and athletes drank it for recovery.
—
Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
But in the wake of the Oct. 7 tragedy and everything that’s come since, their hangovers feel like death.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Speaking of hangovers, having kept an eye on the activities of the Crystal Palace players following their FA Cup final win, Wolverhampton Wanderers might fancy their chances against them on Tuesday night.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 19 May 2025
There was no sign of a championship hangover at Barclays Center on Saturday afternoon.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
But in the wake of the Oct. 7 tragedy and everything that’s come since, their hangovers feel like death.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Speaking of hangovers, having kept an eye on the activities of the Crystal Palace players following their FA Cup final win, Wolverhampton Wanderers might fancy their chances against them on Tuesday night.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 19 May 2025
There was no sign of a championship hangover at Barclays Center on Saturday afternoon.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 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 29 May. 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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