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
What that means for cardholders Holiday debt hangover?
—
Renée Onque, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
Though the exact origins of the drink are somewhat murky, most cocktail historians credit the drink to actor George Jessel, who ordered it in 1927 to cure a hangover.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
There’s actually a sense of accomplishment rather than a hangover.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Alternate alcohol with water, seltzer, or mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks, which can help support your hydration, help reduce total alcohol intake, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of a hangover.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Renée Onque, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
Though the exact origins of the drink are somewhat murky, most cocktail historians credit the drink to actor George Jessel, who ordered it in 1927 to cure a hangover.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
There’s actually a sense of accomplishment rather than a hangover.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Alternate alcohol with water, seltzer, or mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks, which can help support your hydration, help reduce total alcohol intake, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of a hangover.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hangover
Cite this Entry
“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
