English Reference
noun

appetite

n.
US /ˈæpəˌtaɪt/ UK /ˈæpɪtˌaɪt/ ap·petite UK spelling appetite's, appetite's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the feeling that you want to eat food.

    the natural physical desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.

    Simple

    The long walk in the fresh air gave everyone a healthy appetite for dinner.

    In context

    The patient reported a significant loss of appetite following the surgery, finding even his favourite meals unappealing during the recovery period.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'have', 'lose', or 'whet'.

    fullnesssatiety
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong interest in or desire for a particular activity or thing.

    a strong desire or liking for something; an eagerness to experience or possess something specific.

    Simple

    The public has an endless appetite for news about the royal family.

    In context

    Investors showed a renewed appetite for risk after the central bank announced it would keep interest rates stable for the next quarter.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'for'.

Mumps is another contagious viral infection; symptoms include painful jaw swelling, fever and appetite loss.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Foundayo is a form of GLP-1 medication that blunts appetite, and comes after the MHRA approved a pill version of a similar weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in June.

BBC News· 10 Aug 2026

From Middle English appetit, from Old French apetit (French appétit), from Latin appetitus, from appetere (“to strive after, long for”); ad + petere (“to seek”). See petition, and compare with appetence.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin appetitus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated