n.
Pronunciation: ' drau ̇ t
Variant: also drouth \ ' drau ̇ th \
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dr ū gath, from dr ū gian to dry up; akin to Old English dry ̄ ge dry ― more at DRY
Date: before 12th century
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 \ ' drau ̇ -t ē -n ə s \ noun
– droughty \ ' drau ̇ -t ē \ adjective