jet lag

American  

Or jetlag

noun

1. a temporary disruption of the body's normal biological rhythms after high-speed air travel through several time zones.

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jet lag British  

noun

1. a general feeling of fatigue and disorientation often experienced by travellers by jet aircraft who cross several time zones in relatively few hours

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jet lag Scientific  

1. A temporary disruption of normal circadian rhythm caused by high-speed travel across several time zones typically in a jet aircraft, resulting in fatigue, disorientation, and disturbed sleep patterns.

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jet lag Cultural  

1. A temporary disruption of the body's biological clock experienced by persons who travel across several time zones by airplane. The effects of jet lag, which may include fatigue and irritability, generally disappear after a few days as the body's internal rhythms readjust themselves to the new time frame.

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Other Word Forms

• jet-lagged adjective

Etymology

Origin of jet lag

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Critics also point to the disruption caused by changing the clocks, often comparing it to mild, nationwide jet lag.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Though the actor has not publicly addressed the brawl, in the days before the incident, he posted several videos detailing his struggles with jet lag.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

CEOs with crazy travel schedules told us how they crush jet lag.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

And they showed no signs of jet lag.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2025

What I felt was one part jet lag, maybe, but two parts something more profound and elating.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama