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 entire campaign felt like a hangover for one hell of a party the season prior.
—
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 11 July 2025
So there’s a bit of Michael Moore to Jerry’s missionary zeal, along with a bit of Ruby Ridge and Waco, as well as the hangover of the 2008 financial meltdown, when the banks were bailed out and the little people were hung out to dry.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 July 2025
If Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka provided Friday night Champagne Supernova viewing, Saturday’s afternoon session felt like a cloudy hangover.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The city of hangover breakfast tacos, Barton Springs and a dating scene that's hotter and trickier than a Texas summer.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
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Pete Sampson, New York Times, 11 July 2025
So there’s a bit of Michael Moore to Jerry’s missionary zeal, along with a bit of Ruby Ridge and Waco, as well as the hangover of the 2008 financial meltdown, when the banks were bailed out and the little people were hung out to dry.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 July 2025
If Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka provided Friday night Champagne Supernova viewing, Saturday’s afternoon session felt like a cloudy hangover.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The city of hangover breakfast tacos, Barton Springs and a dating scene that's hotter and trickier than a Texas summer.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hangover
Cite this Entry
“Hangover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangover. Accessed 18 Jul. 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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