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

The thing that actually gets me isn’t jet lag or the hours of just sitting or even those screaming babies. —Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Since travel can be tiring, Candow doubles his dose to 20 grams to counter jet lag from international trips. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

The jet lag is real for Audrey Nuna. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025

Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win. —Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 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