hangover
noun
hang·over
ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər 
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
If Wednesday was indeed Liberation Day in America, perhaps Thursday represents the hangover.
—
Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
How looming tariffs are worsening California’s alcohol industry hangover.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
If Episode 5 is the binge, Episode 6 is the hangover, with Saxon and Lochlan piecing together what happened the night before.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
Dehydration contributes to headaches, body aches, dry mouth, and fatigue associated with hangovers.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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.
Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
How looming tariffs are worsening California’s alcohol industry hangover.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
If Episode 5 is the binge, Episode 6 is the hangover, with Saxon and Lochlan piecing together what happened the night before.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
Dehydration contributes to headaches, body aches, dry mouth, and fatigue associated with hangovers.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
Cite this Entry
“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hangover
noun
hang·over
ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər
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
: disagreeable physical effects (as headache or nausea) following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share