plural deserts
1
: an area of very dry land that is usually covered with sand and is very hot
Many settlers died while trying to cross the desert.
the Arabian and African deserts
The region is mostly desert.
—often used before another nounthe shifting desert sands
a study of desert plants
stranded on a desert island [=an island where no people live]
2
: 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.
deserts; deserted; deserting
1
: to go away from (a place) : to leave (a place)
The inhabitants had deserted the town.
If the nest is disturbed, the bird may desert [=abandon] it.
2
: to leave and stop helping or supporting (someone or something)
She had been married for just over a year when her husband deserted her.
He was deserted by his friends and family.
He vowed that he would never desert [=abandon] a friend in trouble.
He urged people not to desert the cause. [=not to stop supporting the cause]
3
of a useful quality or ability
: to no longer be with (someone) in a time of need
The soldiers prayed that their courage would not desert them. [=that they would not lose their courage]
She was a respected academic until late in life when her memory deserted her. [=she lost her ability to remember things]
4
of a soldier
: to leave the military without permission and without intending to return
Many soldiers deserted during the first weeks of the war.
Cite this Entry
“Desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/desert. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.
Copy Citation
