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
Russell notes that an increase in energy (and a decrease in hangovers) also create extra space for exercise and self-care.
—
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Brolin describes sitting in a hotel lounge before accepting his award, getting drunk on wine to try to push through a hangover.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Like other hallucinogens, 2C-B generally doesn’t cause a next-day hangover, according to users interviewed by Vice.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Burke says part of the late-stage drag is that pre-generative AI boom companies have struggled to find their way, especially as investors have struggled with their own 2021 hangovers.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hangover 
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Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Brolin describes sitting in a hotel lounge before accepting his award, getting drunk on wine to try to push through a hangover.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Like other hallucinogens, 2C-B generally doesn’t cause a next-day hangover, according to users interviewed by Vice.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Burke says part of the late-stage drag is that pre-generative AI boom companies have struggled to find their way, especially as investors have struggled with their own 2021 hangovers.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 Dec. 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 2 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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