dessert

Definition

The last course of a meal, consisting of fruit, sweet confections etc.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French dessert, from desservir (“disserve”), from dés- (“dis-”) and servir (“serve”), thus literally meaning “removal of what has been served”. Note: It was erroneously suggested (e.g. in "Glucose syrups: Technology and Applications" (Peter Hull, 2010)) that the word is derived from the name of Benjamin Delessert, the inventor of beet sugar. However, the term predates him by at least a century.

Example Sentences

• "I ordered hummus for a starter, a steak as the main course, and chocolate cake for dessert."
• "Can I see the dessert menu, please?"
• "Trifle is a favourite dessert of the English, but rivalled by pavlova in Australia and New Zealand."