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 growth2: a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired

— drought·i·ness \ˈdrau̇-tē-nəs\ noun

— droughty \ˈdrau̇-tē\ adjective