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 lagJ. Netting
jet-lagged adjective

Examples of jet lag in a Sentence

I had bad jet lag after that last trip overseas.
Recent Examples on the Web McDaniel said players were given nutrition and sleep supplements to help battle jet lag. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Snapped out of modern-day fight-or-flight mode, I was primed for smoother sleep despite the jet lag. Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024 These include jet lag, advanced sleep-wake phase disorder, shift work sleep disorder, and delayed sleep phase disorder. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024 Swift has resumed her Eras once again (and will likely be fighting some crazy jet lag), so has chosen not to perform to preserve her voice. Chris Morris, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2024 The short travel times can also help significantly reduce the effects of jet lag, according to former Concorde passengers and pilots. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2024 But all of the attention and accompanying jet lag — following immense praise for his performance in the new Todd Haynes film — hasn’t kept Melton from understanding just what’s happening. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2023 Bedding is important in a place guaranteed to induce jet lag. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 25 Jan. 2024 In an attempt to stay awake and beat jet lag, the couple competed in a tournament at a local pub. Jamie Ballard, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jet lag.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet lag was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near jet lag

Cite this Entry

“Jet lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20lag. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on jet lag

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