dry spell
Americannoun
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a prolonged period of dry weather.
-
a period of little or no productivity or activity, low income, etc.
Etymology
Origin of dry spell
First recorded in 1885–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The “Whisper Man” actor on being a social outcast, hitting a dry spell after “The Aviator” and turning his dream of performing into a reality.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
This will be especially problematic where the ground is hard after the prolonged dry spell, making it difficult for the water to soak in.
From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026
Flash flooding is possible, especially in areas where the ground remains very hard after the prolonged hot, dry spell.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Like many European countries, the Netherlands has been hit by a historic summer drought caused by a prolonged dry spell, exceptional heat and intense evaporation.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
I was not the problem when it came to my lifelong relationship dry spell.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
