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 of drought

• 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

Good luck convincing the Atlanta Braves that Freddie Freeman was in a home run drought. —Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 9 May 2026

Newsom and other supporters have said the tunnel would protect the state’s water system as climate change intensifies severe droughts and deluges. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

All Charlotte-area counties and most of the mountains are under extreme drought, the next worst classification. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

The cooler phase – La Niña – faded into the sunset in early April, and though its influence on drought in parts of the United States may linger, El Niño is widely forecast to begin in the weeks ahead. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 May 2026

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