noun
famine
FA-mihn
noun
1
A severe, widespread shortage of food, often causing mass starvation.
"Decades of drought led to a devastating famine in the region."
"Aid agencies rushed food supplies to the famine-hit province."
2
A severe shortage of something in general, not just food.
"The industry is facing a famine of skilled workers."
How to Use Famine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA serious, large-scale shortage — usually of food, but sometimes used figuratively for anything in short supply.
Common pairings
famine relief
widespread famine
famine and drought
Word Forms
famines plural
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Decades of drought led to a devastating _____ in the region.
Etymology
From Old French famine, ultimately related to Latin fames, "hunger."