How to Pronounce Desert vs Dessert

"desert" and "dessert" are pronounced differently. "desert" is DEZ-ert (/ˈdɛzərt/); "dessert" is duh-ZURT (/dɪˈzɜːrt/). Stress flips: DESert (arid land) stresses the first syllable; desSERT (the sweet course) stresses the second. Dessert also has a stronger "z".

🔀 Different pronunciation

desert

/ˈdɛzərt/

Say it like: DEZ-ert

desert

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “desert” →

dessert

/dɪˈzɜːrt/

Say it like: duh-ZURT

dessert

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “dessert” →

Frequently asked questions

Are "desert" and "dessert" pronounced the same?

No. "desert" is DEZ-ert (/ˈdɛzərt/) and "dessert" is duh-ZURT (/dɪˈzɜːrt/). Stress flips: DESert (arid land) stresses the first syllable; desSERT (the sweet course) stresses the second. Dessert also has a stronger "z".

Why do people confuse "desert" and "dessert"?

One letter apart, opposite stress — the classic English mix-up.

More commonly-confused pairs