hangover

noun

hang·​over ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hangover was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hangover

noun
hang·​over ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio)
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 How to pronounce hangover (audio)
: disagreeable physical effects (as headache or nausea) following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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