jet lag

noun

: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (such as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body

Temporary fatigue, drowsiness, and loss of concentration are typical symptoms of isolated bouts of jet lag …

—J. Netting

jet-lagged

ˈjet-ˌlagd 

adjective

Examples of jet lag in a Sentence

I had bad jet lag after that last trip overseas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drinking plenty of water while flying supports circulation, reduces fatigue and jet lag, and minimized dehydration from the dry cabin. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025

Biden's team attributed his performance to a cold and jet lag. —Adeola Adeosun gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

Nearby a few Frieze executives from London discussed the pitfalls of jet lag with an American writer based in Berlin. —Thessaly La Force, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025

Exercise, especially outdoors, is also recommended for combating jet lag. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jet lag

• airbag
• handbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag

Kids Definition

jet lag

noun

: a condition that is marked by physical and mental symptoms (as tiredness and bad temper) and occurs following a long flight through several time zones

Medical Definition

jet lag

noun

ˈjet-ˌlag 

: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body

called also jet fatigue

jet-lagged adjective