hangover

noun

hang·​over ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio)
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 After last season’s Super Bowl hangover disaster, the Rams essentially told their fans to be patient and wait until 2024. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023 The United Auto Workers strike is over, but the hangover effect popped up in Ford's October sales report Thursday. Mike Colias, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2023 The 20-year-old Florida State University student was nursing a hangover after partying with a friend the night before. Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023 Clad in a top hat and tails, with a bottle of Champagne in hand, Mr. Kirke, who was nursing a hangover from an all-night party, was the first to take the plunge thatday. Alex Williams, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2023 That won’t make the hangover from rock-bottom interest rates any easier for some music stocks. Carol Ryan, WSJ, 29 Oct. 2023 That is enabling them to deal with this macro environment…two wars going on, high interest rates, the post-COVID hangover. Alan Murray, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2023 In my eyes, with their astronomic sugar content, mimosas are just an overpriced ticket to a 4 p.m. hangover. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 13 Oct. 2023 In the last three years, the Rams won a Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, experienced the worst Super Bowl hangover in NFL history and have begun this season with a 3-3 record. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hangover.' 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

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hangover was in 1894

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near hangover

Cite this Entry

“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

hangover

noun
hang·​over ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio)
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 How to pronounce hangover (audio)
: disagreeable physical effects (as headache or nausea) following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!