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 sober beverage will cost drinkers the same as an alcoholic beer — between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 and $17.01) for a 1-liter mug (33 fluid ounces) — but save them from a hangover. —Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

That includes the 5-12 Super Bowl hangover season of 2022, in wake of them winning the title. —Jay Paris, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Inflation as well, the inflation hangover that a lot of Americans are suffering from and feeling about the economy. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024

Tylenol is not recommended for either the treatment or prevention of hangovers. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids 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