1 des·ert
Pronounced:
/ˈdɛzɚt/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural des·ertsMeaning:
1 : an area of very dry land that is usually covered with sand and is very hot [count] ▪ Many settlers died while trying to cross the desert. ▪ the Arabian and African deserts [noncount] ▪ The region is mostly desert. —often used before another noun ▪ the shifting desert sands ▪ a study of desert plants ▪ stranded on a desert island [=an island where no people live] —see color picture
2 [count] : a place or area that does not have something interesting or important ▪ For many years, the city was a cultural desert, but now there are several museums and also a concert hall. —see also deserts
2 [count] : a place or area that does not have something interesting or important ▪ For many years, the city was a cultural desert, but now there are several museums and also a concert hall. —see also deserts
Do not confuse desert with dessert.