Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small plate on which dessert can be served: A "dessert plate" is a specific type of dishware, typically smaller than a dinner plate, designed for serving the sweet course that concludes a meal.

Usage

• The word "dessert plate" functions as a compound noun. It is used to refer to the physical object (the plate) itself.
• It is commonly used in contexts related to dining, table setting, and meal service.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please bring the dessert plates to the table.
  • The waiter cleared the main course and set out clean dessert plates.
  • She arranged the pastries beautifully on a porcelain dessert plate.

Advanced Usage

• "on a dessert plate": This prepositional phrase describes where the dessert is placed.
  • The cake was presented on a silver dessert plate.
• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the dessert course itself in a formal setting.
  • After the entrée, the dessert plate was served.

Variants and Related Words

• Dessert fork/spoon: The utensils specifically used for eating dessert.
• Salad plate: A plate of similar size, often used for salads or appetizers, which can sometimes be interchangeable with a dessert plate.
• Saucer: A small plate for a cup, which is distinct from a dessert plate.

Synonyms

• Sweet plate (less common)
• Pudding plate (chiefly British English)

Antonyms

• Dinner plate: A larger plate used for the main course.

Notes

• "Dessert plate" is a fixed compound noun. Its meaning is specific and not typically derived from the separate meanings of "dessert" and "plate."
• It is important to distinguish it from a "side plate" or "bread plate," which may be of similar size but intended for different uses during a meal.

Noun

1. a small plate on which dessert can be served