dessert

[dih-zurt]

noun

1. cake, pie, fruit, pudding, ice cream, etc., served as the final course of a meal.

2. British.,  a serving of fresh fruit after the main course of a meal.

dessert

/ dɪˈzɜːt /

noun

1. the sweet, usually last course of a meal

2. (esp formerly) fruit, dates, nuts, etc, served at the end of a meal

Word History and Origins

Origin of dessert¹

First recorded in 1780–90; from French, derivative of desservir “to remove what was served, clear the table,” from Old French, from des- dis- ¹ + servir “to serve” ( serve )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dessert¹

C17: from French, from desservir to clear a table, from des- _dis- ¹ + servir to _serve

Example Sentences

“The price was beyond reasonable and, afterwards, a group of us walked down the street for dessert and karaoke.”

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That sweet, nubbly crunch against the silkiness below—it’s like jewelry for dessert.

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The tea leaves are grown in the shade, specially processed and then stone-ground into the bright green, earthy powder used in drinks and desserts.

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Save room for the inventive desserts like the banana split topped with cotton candy.

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There’s also a section dedicated to desserts, which especially shines during this festive month.

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Related Words

• cake 
• candy 
• confection 
• cookie 
• fruit 
• ice cream 
• pastry 
• pie 
• sweet