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
The next day Nurse the hangover — or just have a refined day — with Afternoon Tea prepared by Bittersweet, including Irish soda bread, clams casino with Guinness cream and shamrock macarons.
—
Moyo Adeolu, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Even before Trump took office, funding constraints and a long pandemic hangover had slowed polar research.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Momentum could fade, but the week off eliminates the likelihood of any Madison hangover.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
The hangover The root cause of the original bust is no mystery.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Moyo Adeolu, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Even before Trump took office, funding constraints and a long pandemic hangover had slowed polar research.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Momentum could fade, but the week off eliminates the likelihood of any Madison hangover.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
The hangover The root cause of the original bust is no mystery.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 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 24 Mar. 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
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