hangover

noun

hang·over ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər

Synonyms of hangover next

: something (such as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past

: disagreeable physical effects following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs

: 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 There was clearly no hangover from missing an opportunity to clinch a victory over Keller, who eliminated Southlake Carroll in the third round of last year’s Class 6A playoffs. —

Greg McKenna, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023 Inflation hangover Sharply higher prices in 2021 and 2022 marked a painful economic moment for households around the world. —

Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Sep. 2023 Some hangover symptoms, like fatigue, headache, and nausea, may mimic or worsen the side effects of vaccines.12 No official guidelines exist on drinking alcohol after getting a booster or vaccine. —

Claire Gillespie, Health, 31 Aug. 2023 The extreme left, in a hangover from Soviet times, also has a lingering sympathy for Russia that the 18-month-long war has not eradicated. —

Roger Cohen, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2023 Other companies are working to develop drugs that reduce alcohol cravings and speed recovery from hangovers. —

Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 29 July 2023 My lower back pain has diminished, my chronically sore shoulder (a hangover from a decade-long injury) also has mellowed. —

Sean Evans, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2023 Unfortunately, no reliable ancient hangover cures found as of yet. —

Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023 For Anheuser-Busch Inbev, the aftereffects of a marketing promotion involving Bud Light and transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney is lingering like a bad hangover. —

CBS News, 3 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hangover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.