drought

noun

ˈdrau̇t 

variants or less commonly drouth

ˈdrau̇th 

1

: a period of dryness especially when prolonged

specifically : one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth

resistant to drought

2

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

a drought of creativity

droughtiness

ˈdrau̇-tē-nəs 

noun

droughty

ˈdrau̇-tē

adjective

Synonyms

• shortage
• lack

Examples of drought in a Sentence

The drought caused serious damage to crops.

a period of drought that lasted several years

Recent Examples on the Web

With abundant fresh water, lower exposure to hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts, and a temperate climate projected to remain livable longer than most, Toronto is situated on one of the safest bets for long-term climate stability in North America. —Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Despite a scorching start to August, metro Phoenix was expected to continue to see a milder heat this fall, especially compared with the recent years loaded with heat records and relentless droughts. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Rising heat, drought, and flooding are hammering key production hubs. —Kurt Kipka, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025

Summer often brings heat, drought, diseases, and pests that can harm trees. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for drought

• bout
• clout
• doubt
• flout
• gout
• grout
• kraut
• lout
• out
• pout
• rout
• scout

Kids Definition

drought

noun

variants also drouth

ˈdrau̇t 

ˈdrau̇th

: a long period of dry weather

droughty

-ē

adjective