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
There’s also some hangover from Miami’s stunning and decisive exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup in the semifinals to a thoroughly impressive Vancouver Whitecaps side.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
The next morning, Joe finds Chee back in his own trailer, treating his hangover with pickle juice.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
However, a hangover is about to hit the industry as tariffs threaten to stunt growth, a leading industry group warned.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Pickle juice may help with muscle cramps, upset stomachs, and hangovers.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
The next morning, Joe finds Chee back in his own trailer, treating his hangover with pickle juice.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
However, a hangover is about to hit the industry as tariffs threaten to stunt growth, a leading industry group warned.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Pickle juice may help with muscle cramps, upset stomachs, and hangovers.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 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 27 May. 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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