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

The Pats have not had a true rival since Peyton Manning retired, a sad drought preceded by salty stretches of real rivalry. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025

Norris and Piastri would do most of the winning in the middle of the season before Verstappen ended his eight-race drought without being on top of the podium. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025

Not long after being a season ticket holder, the Kings snapped a 17-year playoff drought before losing in seven games to the Warriors. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 Dec. 2025

Adequate watering involves ensuring drainage and maintaining soil moisture, avoiding both overwatering and drought stress. —Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 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