Etymology. The word "dessert" originated from the French word desservir, meaning "to clear the table". ... In his A History of Dessert (2013), Michael Krondl explains that it refers to the fact that dessert was served after the table had been cleared of other dishes.

Why is it called a desert?

The noun desert (meaning “a dry region”) comes from a Middle English word meaning “barren” or “dried up,” from the Old French des(s)ert, meaning “without inhabitants.” It ultimately comes from the Latin verb dēserere, which means “to abandon or forsake” and is also the root of the verb desert.

What is difference between dessert and sweets?

The most basic difference between sweets and desserts is in the way they are served or eaten. Candies can be eaten anywhere, desserts on the other hand, need to be savoured and are generally consumed after a meal such as cakes, pastries and ice-creams.