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
The sweeping scope of Trump’s appetite for institutionalized retaliation has changed the threat landscape for everyone, almost overnight.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
There is an appetite to again hold meetings in different locations as underlined by the historic visit to Zimbabwe.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Once the season’s over, there might be an appetite to move on from Lou Lamoriello, who started toward what needs to be done by trading Nelson but didn’t go far enough at the deadline.
—Arthur Staple, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetite
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Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
There is an appetite to again hold meetings in different locations as underlined by the historic visit to Zimbabwe.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Once the season’s over, there might be an appetite to move on from Lou Lamoriello, who started toward what needs to be done by trading Nelson but didn’t go far enough at the deadline.
—Arthur Staple, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetite
Cite this Entry
“Appetite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetite. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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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