desert - dessert

◊ 'desert'

Desert is used as a noun or a verb. The noun and the verb are pronounced differently.

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A desert is a large area of land where there is very little water or rain, no trees, and very few plants.

...the Sahara Desert.

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When people or animals desert a place, they leave it, with the result that it becomes empty.

Even the butterflies deserted the open space.

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If one person deserts another, they leave them and no longer help or support them.

She deserted her family and ran away with him.

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If a member of the armed forces deserts, he or she leaves without permission and without intending to return.

I knew something was wrong when he deserted from the army a couple of years ago.

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◊ 'dessert'

Dessert is sweet food served at the end of a meal.

For dessert there was ice cream.

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