jet lag

noun

: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (such as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body

Temporary fatigue, drowsiness, and loss of concentration are typical symptoms of isolated bouts of jet lag …

—J. Netting

jet-lagged

ˈjet-ˌlagd 

adjective

Examples of jet lag in a Sentence

I had bad jet lag after that last trip overseas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Loading your audio article Lowell Hickey was relaxing by the pool in Kingston, Jamaica, snoozing after fighting the effects of jet lag. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

That challenge will be felt long after the jet lag wears off and the regular season resumes at a normal pace. —Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

Evening chronotypes also had significantly poorer sleep quality, explainable by social jet lag and an accumulation of sleep debt (the cumulative effect of not getting sufficient sleep). —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

For specific situations like jet lag or occasional sleep disruptions, melatonin makes more sense as a temporary intervention rather than a permanent solution. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jet lag

• airbag
• handbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag

Kids Definition

jet lag

noun

: a condition that is marked by physical and mental symptoms (as tiredness and bad temper) and occurs following a long flight through several time zones

Medical Definition

jet lag

noun

ˈjet-ˌlag 

: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body

called also jet fatigue

jet-lagged adjective