Desert
/ˈdɛzərt/
Definitions
3 meaningsA dry, barren area of land, often sandy.
/ˈdɛzərt/
A barren area of land, especially one covered in sand, that has little to no vegetation and receives very little rainfall.
Camels are well-adapted to living in the desert.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place that's super dry, like if you left a cookie out in the sun for weeks! It's a big, empty place with very little water and plants, like a giant sandbox.
👶 For kids: A desert is a place that is hot and dry, with not much water or plants.
More Examples
The explorers were lost in the vast desert.
The landscape of the desert is often harsh.
How It's Used
"The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world."
To abandon, forsake, or leave someone or something.
/dɪˈzɜːrt/
To abandon a person, cause, or organization.
The soldier deserted his post during the battle.
💡 Simply: Imagine your best friend suddenly deciding they don't want to play with you anymore and leaving you alone. To desert someone is like that – to abandon them or not be there when they need you.
👶 For kids: To desert means to leave someone or something behind.
More Examples
He deserted his family for a new life.
The company was deserted by its investors after the scandal.
How It's Used
"The soldier deserted from the army."
"She felt deserted by her friends after the argument."
To abandon a duty or position, typically in the military.
/dɪˈzɜːrt/
To go away from; leave, usually in the military
The soldier was accused of deserting his post during the conflict.
💡 Simply: Imagine a soldier who leaves their post without permission. That's deserting—breaking rules and abandoning responsibilities.
👶 For kids: To go away from a place or job, like a soldier leaving their post.
More Examples
The risk of being punished for deserting weighed heavily on his mind.
How It's Used
"Many soldiers deserted during the war."
From Middle French *desert* or directly from Latin *desertum* meaning 'a deserted place', 'wasteland', a past participle of *deserere* 'to abandon'.
The word 'desert' (as a noun) has been used since the 13th century to refer to dry and barren lands. The verb form appeared later, related to abandoning a position or person.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'dessert'. A desert is a place that is *desolate*, with no dessert to be found!
Word Origin
"to abandon (deserere)"