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
Meanwhile, Stacey woke up with a nasty hangover from the night prior.
—
Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Our whirlwind day ended at Bardo’s coastal-Italian restaurant, Saint Bibiana (named for the patron saint of hangovers), accessed once again by a lift.
—Frances MacDougall, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
Knowing your limits is a key factor in preventing hangovers and symptoms of anxiety during a hangover.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025
Wells Fargo also predicts an inflation hangover, with high interest rates and prices pressuring affordability.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Our whirlwind day ended at Bardo’s coastal-Italian restaurant, Saint Bibiana (named for the patron saint of hangovers), accessed once again by a lift.
—Frances MacDougall, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
Knowing your limits is a key factor in preventing hangovers and symptoms of anxiety during a hangover.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025
Wells Fargo also predicts an inflation hangover, with high interest rates and prices pressuring affordability.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 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 9 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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