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

Thanks to his leadership, Winchester snapped a 35-year conference title drought in the Middlesex League. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026

Every few years, usually in December, the system encounters a Dunkelflaute — an energy drought lasting a week or two, with little wind and little sun. —Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2026

The bottom half of Detroit’s defense is largely lighter and relatively unproven against playoff pressure, and for a team looking to snap a nine-year playoff drought, a steady option who can take 18-20 minutes next to Ben Chiarot would add stability on the back end. —The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Producers across the state operate in a climate defined by drought cycles, extreme heat and increasing pressure on water resources, while managing land that often supports both crop and livestock production. —Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 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