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
Unwell Hydration with protein is yet another example of Cooper’s commitment to breaking boundaries within the high-performance, hydration and hangover cure drink category.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The levy is a hangover from the pandemic years when there were labor shortages in the hospitality industry and employers were having to pay higher hourly wages to find workers.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
One 2023 study using rodents suggested that eating cheese containing specific probiotics may improve alcohol metabolism and alleviate hangover symptoms.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Is there going to be any hangover from Game 7?
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The levy is a hangover from the pandemic years when there were labor shortages in the hospitality industry and employers were having to pay higher hourly wages to find workers.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
One 2023 study using rodents suggested that eating cheese containing specific probiotics may improve alcohol metabolism and alleviate hangover symptoms.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Is there going to be any hangover from Game 7?
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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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