How to pronounce desert
Say it like DEZ-ert. Desert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEZ).
- DEZ
- ert
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The dry place is 'DEZ-ert'. To abandon is 'dih-ZURT', said like dessert.
Desert pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ertKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of desert
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DEZ-ut.
Other ways to say desert
Desert also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- dih-ZURT /dɪˈzɝt/
What does desert mean?
- A barren area of land or desolate terrain, especially one with little water or vegetation; a wasteland.
- In particular, a barren, arid area of land which is hot, with sandy, rocky, or parched ground.
- Any barren place or situation.
- Usually of a place: abandoned, deserted, or uninhabited.“They were marooned on a desert island in the Pacific.”
- To leave (anything that depends on one's presence to survive, exist, or succeed), especially when contrary to a promise or obligation; to abandon; to forsake.“You can't just drive off and desert me here, in the middle of nowhere.”
- To leave one's duty or post, especially to leave a military or naval unit without permission.“Anyone found deserting will be punished.”
Where does desert come from?
From Middle English desert (“wilderness”), from Old French desert, from Latin dēsertum, past participle of dēserō (“to abandon”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying desert
How do you pronounce desert?
Say DEZ-ert. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛzɚt/. In British English it is /ˈdɛzət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in desert?
Desert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEZ). Broken into parts: DEZ · ert.
Is desert pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdɛzət/ (DEZ-ut).