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
One theme that will be something of a hangover for Samsung after its S25 launch will be the delays in its release of its One UI 7 (Android 15) beta and stable release.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Few players partied harder than Grealish after the treble triumph and none seemed to carry such a hangover into the following campaign.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
But your glutamate is still turned on, and that’s what gives you a hangover.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 9 Jan. 2025
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Can probiotic supplements prevent hangovers?
—Madeline Cash, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hangover 
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Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Few players partied harder than Grealish after the treble triumph and none seemed to carry such a hangover into the following campaign.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
But your glutamate is still turned on, and that’s what gives you a hangover.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 9 Jan. 2025
Related Articles 3 great nonalcoholic drinks to try this year
Taste-Off: The best (and worst) pre- and probiotic sodas in local markets
Can probiotic supplements prevent hangovers?
—Madeline Cash, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025
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 20 Jan. 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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