Desert and Dessert are a minimal pair. They have different pronunciation and meaning. DESERT DESERT can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, DESERT means a sand stretch.  As a noun, the pronunciation is this:   / ˈdez.ɚt /. As a verb, DESERT means to abandon someone. As a noun, the pronunciation is this:  / dɪˈzɝːt /. DESSERT  DESSERT is a noun. It means the sweets that is had after meals.  The pronunciation is this:  / dɪˈzɝːt /. Watch a YouTube video lesson on the usage, pronunciation, and grammar of Desert and Dessert.