Dessert Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dessert

[dɪˈzɜːrt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sweet food

Dessert refers to a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal. It is typically a treat or indulgence, often rich in sugar and flavor. Desserts can come in various forms, such as cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, or puddings.

Synonyms

confection, pudding, sweet, treat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dessert	This word is generally used to refer to the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. It can be used in both casual and formal settings. We had ice cream for dessert. He always looks forward to dessert after dinner.
sweet	This word is often used informally to describe any kind of sugary food, particularly candies and desserts. It can also be used more broadly to refer to sweet-tasting flavors in general. She has a craving for something sweet. The bakery offers a variety of sweets.
treat	Usually refers to a special item or experience, often food, that is given on special occasions or as a reward. 'Treat' has a positive connotation and is used in both casual and formal situations. She gave him a treat for finishing his homework. The cake was a special treat for her birthday.
pudding	Commonly used in British English to refer to a dessert, which can be a sweet or savory dish. In American English, it often refers to a creamy, sweet custard-like dessert. We had sticky toffee pudding after dinner. For dessert, we served chocolate pudding.
confection	Typically used to describe sweet foods or candies, especially those that are intricately made or appear delicate. Suitable for formal writing or discussions about food. The bakery is known for its chocolate confections. She specializes in creating sugar confections for weddings.

Examples of usage

I ordered a slice of chocolate cake for dessert.
She enjoys baking desserts for special occasions.
The restaurant offers a variety of desserts on their menu.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

final course of a meal

In a formal dining setting, dessert is the final course of the meal, following the main course and possibly a salad. It is intended to satisfy the diner's sweet cravings and provide a satisfying end to the meal.

Synonyms

after-dinner treat, finale, sweet course.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dessert	General term used for the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. For dessert, we had chocolate cake Do you have any dessert recipes?
sweet course	Formal term used to describe the part of the menu dedicated to desserts, usually in a restaurant or formal dining setting. The sweet course consisted of assorted pastries and fruit tarts What will you have for the sweet course this evening?
after-dinner treat	Casual and informal term used to refer to something sweet enjoyed after dinner. After dinner, she brought out some cookies as an after-dinner treat Would you like an after-dinner treat with your coffee?
finale	Formal and slightly dramatic term used to indicate the concluding item of a meal, usually something special or elaborate. The chef prepared a stunning finale for the dinner with a flaming crème brûlée The dinner's finale was a beautifully decorated layer cake

Examples of usage

The waiter presented the dessert menu after we finished our main course.
We were served a delicious fruit tart as our dessert.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Art

The art of pastry making, known as patisserie, is a specialized area of cooking dedicated to making desserts and pastries.
Desserts can range from simple fruits and nuts to elaborate creations like soufflés and layered cakes, showcasing creativity in cooking.
Many cultures have their unique dessert recipes, with ingredients reflecting local flavors—think baklava in the Middle East or mochi in Japan.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, desserts are often associated with celebrations and special occasions, like birthdays or weddings.
In some countries, such as France, dessert is considered an essential part of a meal and can be as intricate as art.
Sharing desserts with family and friends strengthens social bonds and creates joyful memories during gatherings.

Health Aspects

Moderate consumption of sweets can be part of a balanced diet; however, overindulgence can lead to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
Some desserts incorporate fruits, which can offer nutritional benefits, blending taste with health, like a fruit salad.
Many modern desserts aim to reduce sugar or incorporate alternative sweeteners to cater to dietary needs, showcasing versatility.

Historical Trends

During the Middle Ages, sugar was a luxury, and desserts were often made with fruits and honey, rather than the refined sugars we use today.
The industrial revolution brought about mass production of sweets, making desserts more widely accessible to the public.
In the 20th century, dessert trends began to favor convenience, leading to the creation of packaged cakes and frozen treats.

Origin of 'dessert'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the French 'desservir' meaning 'to clear the table,' which reflects that it is served after the main meal.
Historically, desserts were not common in many cultures; they became popular after meals in the 17th century in Europe.
The distinction between savory dishes and sweet ones solidified over time, creating a standardized separation for meals.

The word 'dessert' originated from the French word 'desservir', which means 'to clear the table'. It was originally used to refer to the removal of dishes after a meal. Over time, it transitioned to denote the sweet course served at the end of a meal. Desserts have been enjoyed throughout history, with various cultures developing unique and delicious sweet treats.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,311, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12308 clearness
12309 audited
12310 typewriter
12311 dessert
12312 warden
12313 unresolved
12314 portray
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