drought

noun

ˈdrau̇t How to pronounce drought (audio)
variants or less commonly drouth
ˈdrau̇th How to pronounce drought (audio)
Synonyms of drought
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 How to pronounce drought (audio)
noun
droughty
ˈdrau̇-tē
adjective

Synonyms of drought

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The effects of war, sanctions and the worst drought in forty years have taken a toll on Iran’s poor. — Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 As Colorado dries up in a historic drought, scofflaws violating water restrictions have sparked tension throughout the state’s largest metropolitan area, turning residential streets into checkerboards of virtue and vice. — Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 29 July 2026 That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Jones, youngsters shine Score one for the bigs — after a decade-long drought of All-Star MVPs, frontcourt players have won back-to-back. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for drought

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of drought was before the 12th century

Rhymes for drought

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Browse Nearby Words

Drouet
drought
droughtiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drought. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drought

noun
variants also drouth
ˈdrau̇t How to pronounce drought (audio)
ˈdrau̇th
: a long period of dry weather
droughty
-ē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on drought

Nglish: Translation of drought for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drought

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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