Learn How to Pronounce desert

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

desert

Definition:

(nou) arid land with little or no vegetation

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈzɜːt

Examples:

The desert is very dry and salty, so the bodies never decayed.

The desert wind is a pernicious thing, if you live in the desert.

The desert is largely undisturbed.

Learn more about:

desert

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: desert

Learn Individual Sounds

Break desert down into individual sounds such as dɪˈzɜːt. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say desert in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say desert in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with desert.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of desert pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners stress the second syllable in "desert" (ˈdɛz.ərt) instead of the first. This can change the meaning to a verb. Tip: Remember that "desert" as a noun stresses the first syllable.
  2. Confusing vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "desert" with a short "e" sound, like "desert" (ˈdɛz.ɚt), which is incorrect. The correct pronunciation has a clear "e" sound. Tip: Focus on the "e" as in "bed" for the first syllable.
  3. Incorrect vowel length: Learners sometimes pronounce the first syllable too short, sounding like "deh" instead of "dez." This can lead to misunderstanding. Tip: Practice elongating the "e" sound to "dez" as in "desk."
  4. Overemphasizing "t": Some may pronounce the "t" at the end of "desert" too strongly, making it sound unnatural. The correct pronunciation is softer. Tip: Lightly touch the "t" to keep it subtle and smooth.
  5. Ignoring regional variations: In the UK, "desert" (ˈdɛz.ət) has a different vowel sound in the second syllable compared to the US version. Tip: Listen to native speakers from both regions to master the nuances.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "desert" in American English?

In American English, "desert" is pronounced as /ˈdɛz.ɚt/. The first syllable is stressed, sounding like "dez," while the second syllable is a softer "urt."

What is the UK pronunciation of "desert"?

In British English, "desert" is pronounced as /ˈdɛz.ət/. The first syllable is still stressed, but the second syllable sounds like "ət," which is a schwa sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "desert"?

A common mistake is placing the stress on the second syllable, saying "de-ZERT." Remember to stress the first syllable, "dez," to pronounce it correctly.

What is the meaning of "desert" in different contexts?

"Desert" can refer to a dry, barren area of land, or as a verb meaning to abandon someone. Context will help clarify its usage, but pronunciation remains the same.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime