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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And after the quick hit of feeling strong comes the long hangover of humiliation. Daniel Block, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024 Related Articles Do not wash your turkey and other Thanksgiving tips to keep your food safe 90+ free or cheap holiday community events in Orange County for festive fun Winter Fest brings a chilly fun to fairgrounds Will an election hangover slow this year’s holiday shopping? Richard Guzman, Orange County Register, 25 Nov. 2024 The findings offer a snapshot of one of the biggest financial pressures Americans faced in the lead-up to the 2024 election, in which a driving factor was voters’ price-fatigue hangover that even a sturdy economy can’t seem to cure. Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 24 Nov. 2024 Super Bowl hangover continues The San Francisco 49ers suffered another disappointing loss on Sunday as Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith scampered in for a game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds left. Andy Scholes, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hangover 

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hangover was in 1894

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Dictionary Entries Near hangover

Cite this Entry

“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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
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