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

An Oktoberfest-style event that celebrates nonalcoholic drinks, instead of traditional beers with alcohol, is coming to Evanston as a social celebration of fall — without the hangover. — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026

His third novel Ninety-Two in the Shade was a finalist for the National Book Award; fans say its baroque intelligence and post-hippie hangover were too real for the judges. — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

That once-every-four-years celebration of youth, beauty, national identity and athletic excellence that brings the world together for a huge party and almost always leaves the host with the mother of all financial hangovers. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

There is also the hangover effect with this bunch from Colorado, seeing how last season turned into a nightmare for the coaching staff in Boulder. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hangover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover
• pullover

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Kids 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