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

But if a blueliner does break the long Hart drought, Makar’s name is front of mind for many in the game. —Eric Stephens, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

Fall marks the start of Iran’s rainy season, but large parts of the country have barely seen a drop as the nation faces one of its worst droughts in decades. —Ali Mirchi, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025

That 24-race period culminated with McLaren, second only to Ferrari as the winningest team in Formula 1 history, capturing the World Constructors’ Championship after a 25-year drought. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2025

The Ethiopian drought felt far off. —Janet Rich Edwards, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 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