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

The winery’s debt hangover followed its purchase of another estate during better times. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

There is also the hangover effect with this bunch from Colorado, seeing how last season turned into a nightmare for the coaching staff in Boulder. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The price for a historically good season at an unheralded, low-budget club seems to be a hangover in the next season after major changes. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Citi downgraded Boston Scientific to hold from buy, saying a late August cybersecurity attack that disrupted manufacturing, order fulfillment and shipping will have hangover effects. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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