appetite

noun

ap·​pe·​tite ˈa-pə-ˌtīt 

1

: any of the instinctive desires necessary to keep up organic life

especially : the desire to eat

He has a hearty appetite.

2

a

: an inherent craving

an insatiable appetite for work

b

: taste, preference

… the cultural appetites of the time …

—J. D. Hart

appetitive

ˈa-pə-ˌtī-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• belly
• emptiness
• famishment
• hunger
• munchies
• stomach

Examples of appetite in a Sentence

He has a healthy appetite.

Some common symptoms are tiredness, nausea, and loss of appetite.

I had no appetite and couldn't sleep.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in an election cycle where appetite for third party support could be at an all time high, there’s also potential for pretty low support, between RFK’s polarizing views on vaccines, the libertarian infighting and voters thinking more strategically about how their vote counts. —Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 May 2024

Michael Strahan’s Daughter Isabella Says Chemo Delayed After Unexpected Third Brain Surgery: 'Bawling My Eyes Out' In addition to the appetite loss, Isabella has detailed several other side effects she’s experienced throughout her chemotherapy journey, including memory loss and rigors. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English apetit, from Anglo-French, from Latin appetitus, from appetere to strive after, from ad- + petere to go to — more at feather

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing appetite

• hearty appetite
• lose one's appetite
• ravenous appetite
• whet one's appetite

Kids Definition

appetite

noun

ap·​pe·​tite ˈap-ə-ˌtīt 

1

: a natural desire especially for food

2

: taste entry 2 sense 4

an appetite for adventure

Medical Definition

appetite

noun

ap·​pe·​tite ˈap-ə-ˌtīt 

: any of the instinctive desires necessary to keep up organic life

especially : the desire to eat

appetitive

-ˌtīt-iv 

adjective