drought

noun

variants or less commonly drouth
Synonyms of droughtnext
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 noun
droughty
ˈdrau̇-tē
adjective

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.
Local governments across the Charlotte region are receiving hundreds of complaints about residents violating mandatory drought restrictions as officials ramp up enforcement during one of the area’s worst droughts in years. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 Florida’s been facing its worst drought in decades — those conditions, along with the rash of wildfires the state has seen this year, could worsen the impacts of any potential hurricanes. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The Denver Board of Water Commissioners enacted the restrictions in March because of the state’s drought status. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 The drought came to an end Thursday night. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drought. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

drought

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

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