Definition of desert
(Entry 1 of 4)
desert
adjectiveDefinition of desert (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: desolate and sparsely occupied or unoccupied
a desert island
2
: of or relating to a desert (see desert entry 1)
desert
verb
deserted; deserting; deserts
Definition of desert (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return
desert a town
2a
: to leave in the lurch
desert a friend in trouble
b
: to abandon (military service) without leave
: to quit one's post, allegiance, or service without leave or justification
especially
: to abandon military duty without leave and without intent to return
desert
noun (2)Definition of desert (Entry 4 of 4)
1
: deserved reward or punishment
—usually used in plural got their just deserts
2
: the quality or fact of meriting reward or punishment
3
: excellence, worth
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for desert
The first known use of desert was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century