dry spell

American  

noun

1. a prolonged period of dry weather.

2. a period of little or no productivity or activity, low income, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of dry spell

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

But the Trust says that coupled with heavier winter rains, the frequent dry spells in summer, mean the grass grows back more slowly and can leave the chalk edges more exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

A population in the United States might experience seasonal temperature swings, while another in Kenya alternates between long dry spells and heavy rainfall.

From Science Daily • Dec. 30, 2025

Iran, a largely arid country, has for years suffered chronic dry spells and heat waves, which are expected to worsen with climate change.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

The region has long predicted that dry spells would trigger water shortages, unless it diversified away from reservoirs, so Corpus Christi elected to build the first large-scale, municipally owned desalination plant in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

During dry spells, the farm’s powerful sprayers were activated.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

Related Words

• lack
• scarcity