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 lagJ. Netting
jet-lagged adjective

Examples of jet lag in a Sentence

I had bad jet lag after that last trip overseas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Benito Skinner—the comedian and actor also known as Benny Drama—won’t let a little jet lag keep him down on the day of the Dior Men fall 2025 show. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025 Daytime flights to Europe allow travelers to arrive in the evening, have dinner, and go to bed at a normal hour, minimizing jet lag. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 His best strategy for coping with jet lag is to build in an extra day or two to acclimate to a new time zone. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Dec. 2024 Soup itself can’t cure jet lag or do my laundry for me, but cooking soup can briefly alleviate whatever’s weighing me down—and eating one certainly doesn’t hurt. Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for jet lag 

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet lag was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near jet lag

Cite this Entry

“Jet lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20lag. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on jet lag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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