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 Italy has suffered through a dry spell more recently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Florida is in the midst of its worst drought in 25 years, but the dry spell actually ranked far down on the list of challenges these bedraggled growers were facing.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

After intense winter rains, March brought heat and a dry spell.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

For example, if the blocked area of high pressure happens to be situated over the UK, it stops rain-bearing weather systems from arriving and gives us a prolonged dry spell.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

After rain fell on September 9, a warm, deadly dry spell followed, lasting over a month.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

Related Words

• lack
• scarcity