hangover

noun
hang·​over | \ ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio) \

Definition of hangover

1 : something (such as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past
2a : disagreeable physical effects following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs
b : a letdown following great excitement or excess

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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

Netflix blamed the drop on a drab content slate and a hangover from its strong growth in the first quarter. Nicolas Rivero, Quartz, "Netflix lost US subscribers for the first time ever," 17 July 2019 Abstaining for any reason, or just looking for summer sippers that won’t trigger a hangover? Leeanne Griffin, courant.com, "Shell & Bones: Unique summer cocktails, with or without booze, but always with a spectacular view," 12 July 2019 According to head coach Kevin Guy, the concern is an emotional hangover from the semifinal. Drake Hills, azcentral, "Triumph proves Arizona Rattlers are battle tested for United Bowl," 5 July 2019 Maybe some new baseball stat measuring the effect of hangovers on run production during day games after night games. Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: Let's go back to 1971 when baseball, the MLB All-Star Game were better," 2 July 2019 All will then be ended, theoretically at least, but there is abundant prospect of a hangover that will sustain the effect for some additional days. San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: Prohibition closed 55 saloons in San Diego 100 years ago today," 30 June 2019 Is there a physical hangover from playing an extra month at the highest intensity of the year? Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "John Farrell goes lobstering," 25 June 2019 Sounds exactly like the Food & Wine Classic — although the only part of this weekend that sucks are the hangovers. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, "Diamonds, caviar and the Instagram-famous: Inside America's most exclusive food festival," 19 June 2018 There may still be a hurricane hangover causing people to hesitate buying in Houston, Caballero said. Katherine Feser, Houston Chronicle, "Report: New homes in Houston taking longer to sell," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hangover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hangover

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for hangover

hangover

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hangover

: a sick feeling or condition that comes after drinking too much alcohol at an earlier time

hangover

noun
hang·​over | \ -ˌō-vər How to pronounce hangover (audio) \

Medical Definition of hangover

: disagreeable physical effects (as headache or nausea) following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs

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