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Desert or Dessert?
Desert or Dessert?
What is the difference between "desert" and "dessert"?- "Desert" means "arid land" or "to abandon." For example:
- The camels are crossing the desert.
- Don't desert me!
- "Dessert" is the sweet course at the end of a meal. For example:
- I'll have apple pie and custard for dessert.


How To Pronounce "Desert" and "Dessert"
The confusion over "desert" and "dessert" is understandable because when "desert" means "to abandon," it is pronounced like "dessert." When "desert" means "arid land," it is not pronounced like "dessert."

More about "Desert" and "Dessert"
The words "desert" and "dessert" look similar, but they have very different meanings.Click on the Two Correct Sentences
(Interactive Game)
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Desert
The word "desert" can be an adjective, noun, or verb. It has the following meanings:Arid land with little or no vegetation.

The Sahara Desert
- The plants and animals possess special features which allow them to cope with the desert conditions.
- An ice desert is defined as a polar area that supports little or no vegetation and that is permanently covered by snow and ice.
- If disturbed too often, the adult birds will desert the fledglings.
- If you desert, you will be shot when you're caught.
- As soon as the bell went, the kids deserted the building.
Dessert
A "dessert" is typically the final course of a meal. It is usually sweet (e.g., ice cream, cake, pudding).- Would you like to see the dessert menu?

An example of a dessert
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?