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

Since launch, the company has seen consumers use it for both early onboarding reasons — learning what certain metrics are or where to find some features — and daily questions around fitness, nutrition, recovery and specific use cases, like avoiding jet lag. —Emily Burns, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024

At the next table, my husband opted for the jet lag treatment, which focuses on (in his case, aching) feet and includes a head and neck massage. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2024

The rooms and suites are all outfitted with muted tones and quality linens, providing guests with impeccable places to rest (or get over a bout of jet lag). —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2024

To some degree, jet lag is an inevitable part of long-distance air travel. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 23 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

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