Dictionary
drought
noun \ˈdrau̇t\
: a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain
Full Definition of DROUGHT
1
: a period of dryness especially when prolonged; specifically : one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth
2
: a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired
— drought·i·ness \ˈdrau̇-tē-nəs\ noun
— droughty \ˈdrau̇-tē\ adjective
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Variants of DROUGHT
drought also drouth \ˈdrau̇th\
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Origin of DROUGHT
Middle English, from Old English drūgath, from drūgian to dry up; akin to Old English drȳge dry — more at dry
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to DROUGHT
- Synonyms
- crunch, dearth, deficit, deficiency (also drouth), failure, famine, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, lack, lacuna, paucity, pinch, poverty, scantiness, scarceness, scarcity, shortage, undersupply, want
DROUGHT Defined for Kids
drought
noun \ˈdrau̇t\
Definition of DROUGHT for Kids
: a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain
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