Main Entry: drought

Pronunciation: \ˈdrau̇t\

Variant(s): also drouth \ˈdrau̇th\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English drūgath, from drūgian to dry up; akin to Old English drȳge dry — more at dry

Date: before 12th century

1 : a period of dryness especially when prolonged; specifically : one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth
2 : a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired

— drought·i·ness \ˈdrau̇-tē-nəs\ noun

— droughty \ˈdrau̇-tē\ adjective