desert Definition
- 1a dry, barren area of land, especially one covered with sand, that is characteristically desolate, waterless, and without vegetation
- 2abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous
Using desert: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "desert" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Sahara is the world's largest desert.
Example
The town was deserted after the gold rush.
Example
He was deserted by his friends when he needed them most.
Example
The soldiers were accused of deserting their posts.
desert Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using desert
to desert a sinking ship
to abandon a failing enterprise or cause
Example
When the company started losing money, many employees began to desert a sinking ship and look for other jobs.
to be left in the desert
to be abandoned or left behind
Example
After the car broke down, they were left in the desert with no food or water.
to find an oasis in the desert
to find something good in a bad situation
Example
After a long day at work, coming home to his family was like finding an oasis in the desert.
Phrases with desert
desert island
a small, uninhabited island
Example
After the shipwreck, they found themselves stranded on a desert island.
just deserts
the punishment that someone deserves
Example
After years of cheating people, he finally got his just deserts when he was caught and sent to jail.
desert storm
a violent windstorm that carries sand and dust over a wide area
Example
The desert storm made it difficult to see and breathe.
Origins of desert
from Old French 'deserte', from Latin 'desertus', meaning 'abandoned'
Summary: desert in Brief
The term 'desert' [ˈdezət] refers to a dry, barren area of land, often covered with sand, that is devoid of vegetation and water. It can also mean to abandon or betray someone or something. Examples include 'The Sahara is the world's largest desert.' and 'He was deserted by his friends when he needed them most.' Phrases like 'desert island' and idioms like 'to desert a sinking ship' are also common.
