DictionaryappetiteDesire for food
noun

appetite

AP-ih-tyte/ˈæpɪtaɪt/

A desire to consume food.

The woman's eager gaze and poised utensils reveal her appetite for the meal.

A woman leans eagerly toward a freshly served meal, eyes fixed on the food and lips slightly parted, with fork and knife poised before her first bite.
Etymology

Seeking toward something became an image for striving after or longing for it. English used this desire-word for craving food and then extended it to other cravings.

In context

Madelaine Rascan14:26
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How to: Calorie Deficit for Women

More examples

  • She lost her appetite during the illness.
  • The audience has an appetite for daring new plays.
  • Their appetites grew as the smell of bread filled the kitchen.

Forms

appetite · appetites

Similar words

hunger
Usually a physical need for food rather than desire.
craving
An especially strong desire for a particular thing.