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.
These events, along with floods, drought and late-spring frosts are all worrisome and can adversely affect crops throughout the year. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Charlotte is operating under the third of five drought response stages, with restrictions getting more serious at each stage. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 One analysis found that under drought stress, plants with beneficial microbes in or around their roots had nearly 50% higher growth than those without. — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 Throughout the coming months, El Niño is forecast to bring droughts, heat waves and other extreme weather to every continent on Earth. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 8 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

See All Rhymes for drought

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 10 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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