Definition

A sweet dish or course that is served at the end of a meal, often including items like cake, ice cream, or fruit.

Example

After dinner, we enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake for dessert.

Conversation

What do you want for dessert tonight?

I’m thinking something chocolatey would be great.

How about we order that chocolate lava cake?

That sounds perfect! I can't wait for dessert.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dessert comes from the Old French word 'desservir' (meaning to clear the table), which is derived from 'des-' (meaning from or away) and 'servir' (meaning to serve). The term originally referred to the course that follows the main meal, as it is served after the table has been cleared.

Memory Tip

Think of 'clearing the table' after a meal, which leads to the sweet course that comes afterward — that's what dessert is.

Visually Confused Words