Etymology of the Word Dessert

Dessert has its roots in the French language. According to the Online Etymology
Dictionary, the word developed in the mid-16th century from the French
words des, meaning the last course or removal, and servir, meaning to serve.

So, desservir meant to clear the table or to remove the previous courses. It came
to refer to the dish (usually sweets) served after the main course had been
removed from the table.

Understanding the origins of the word dessert, des + servir, helps the two S’s in
the word make more sense.

Correct examples of the word dessert in a sentence:

 The restaurant serves chocolate cake and apple pie for dessert.
 Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert.

Meanwhile, here are a few incorrect examples:

 The shipwrecked sailor was stranded on a desserted island for two

years. (At least it was a “desserted” so he didn’t have to worry about going
hungry!)
 The streets are so desserted after midnight. (Sounds like a great time to
go pick up a tasty treat since the streets are filled with sweets.)