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

Arsenal The pursuit of Vinicius Junior was so intoxicating that, perhaps unsurprisingly, its failure has resulted in something of a hangover. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

But for their guests, the Coach House Spa is the ultimate place to wash away a post-party hangover. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Drinking less alcohol may lessen next-day effects but zebra striping cannot eliminate hangovers entirely. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Curing the meeting hangover requires shifting our executive focus from calendar compliance to active energy management, just as David did. — Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hangover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover
• pullover

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Kids 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