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
J. D. HartExamples 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
At the time of reporting FIFA struck media deals with 180 territories to broadcast the tournament, with more to come, indicating appetite remained strong even amid wider concerns.
—James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
At the same time, the administration’s appetite for sanctioning China, which has long been the single largest buyer of Iranian oil, has been limited, according to Chris Kennedy, economic statecraft lead at Bloomberg Economics and a former State Department official.
—Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 23 May 2026
The recent sloth deaths at Sloth World were avoidable and unnecessary, and the nationwide outcry showed that the public’s appetite for captive animals being used for profit and entertainment continues to dwindle.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Despite the rise of streaming, the industry’s appetite for fast-food partnerships remains unchanged.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetite
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James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
At the same time, the administration’s appetite for sanctioning China, which has long been the single largest buyer of Iranian oil, has been limited, according to Chris Kennedy, economic statecraft lead at Bloomberg Economics and a former State Department official.
—Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 23 May 2026
The recent sloth deaths at Sloth World were avoidable and unnecessary, and the nationwide outcry showed that the public’s appetite for captive animals being used for profit and entertainment continues to dwindle.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Despite the rise of streaming, the industry’s appetite for fast-food partnerships remains unchanged.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetite
Cite this Entry
“Appetite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetite. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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