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
Run clubs provide an alternative to a new generation of daters who are sick of swiping, over the hangovers, and craving authentic connection.
—
Arielle Domb, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
In Booth’s experience, cheaper wines tend to taste, well, cheap, touched with a sweetness hinting at the hangover to come.
—Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 11 Oct. 2024
Overall, the beverage industry post-COVID hangover shows no sign of ending.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
The Super Bowl loser hangover seems to be haunting this team.
—Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hangover 
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illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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about these examples.
Arielle Domb, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
In Booth’s experience, cheaper wines tend to taste, well, cheap, touched with a sweetness hinting at the hangover to come.
—Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 11 Oct. 2024
Overall, the beverage industry post-COVID hangover shows no sign of ending.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
The Super Bowl loser hangover seems to be haunting this team.
—Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hangover
Dictionary Entries Near hangover
Cite this Entry
“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
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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