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
For the Libs, there’s still no signs of a championship hangover after game No. 9.
—
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
And while that emotional hangover isn’t a clinical diagnosis, feeling depressed after a rejuvenating weekend or thrilling getaway is often about more than just missing sunny skies or hotel breakfasts.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 26 May 2025
An 82-year-old man with prostate cancer is about as shocking as a 21-year-old with a post-frat-party hangover.
—Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025
This is her tale, and these are her mistakes, her spur-of-the-moment kisses, her post-karaoke hangovers.
—Hannah Benson
may 16, Literary Hub, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
And while that emotional hangover isn’t a clinical diagnosis, feeling depressed after a rejuvenating weekend or thrilling getaway is often about more than just missing sunny skies or hotel breakfasts.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 26 May 2025
An 82-year-old man with prostate cancer is about as shocking as a 21-year-old with a post-frat-party hangover.
—Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025
This is her tale, and these are her mistakes, her spur-of-the-moment kisses, her post-karaoke hangovers.
—Hannah Benson
may 16, Literary Hub, 16 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 21 Jun. 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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