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a desire for food or drink:
I have no appetite for lunch today.
a desire to satisfy any bodily need or craving.
a desire or liking for something; fondness; taste:
an appetite for power; an appetite for pleasure.
Contemporary Examples

At the time of the flight she had “regained her appetite” and was able to walk with assistance as well.
Was Flying Hero Doctor With Ebola to the U.S. the Wrong Call? Abby Haglage November 16, 2014

Melissa Clark writes about cuisine and other products of appetite.
Fresh Picks Melissa Clark September 13, 2010

He had no appetite to jockey for power with those running the communications team in Chicago.
No Drama Obama’s Dramatic 2012 Reelection Campaign Richard Wolffe September 11, 2013

Joe enjoys the sexual sway she holds over men, toying with their preconceived expectations in order to satisfy her appetite.
Uma Thurman on ‘Nymphomaniac,’ Lars von Trier’s Alleged Misogyny, and Women’s Sexual Double-Standard Marlow Stern March 16, 2014

This is bad news, since cortisol also acts as an appetite stimulant.
Do Your Genes Make You Fat? Arthur Agatston, M.D. January 3, 2010

Historical Examples

Your aunt must have dainties to tempt her appetite and so keep up her strength.
The Eternal City Hall Caine

But as for running him into the ground, they had lost their appetite for such fighting.
Way of the Lawless Max Brand

His appetite is good, his complexion as healthy as it was eleven years ago.
Fletcher of Madeley Frederic W. Macdonald

Why not speak of the evils of appetite and of envy and jealousy?
Understanding the Scriptures Francis McConnell

And he was as tough as a pine knot, and with the appetite of a wolf.
The Jungle Upton Sinclair

noun
a desire for food or drink
a desire to satisfy a bodily craving, as for sexual pleasure
(usually foll by for) a desire, liking, or willingness: a great appetite for work
n.

c.1300, “craving for food,” from Anglo-French appetit, Old French apetit (13c.) “appetite, desire, eagerness,” from Latin appetitus “appetite,” literally “desire toward,” from appetitus, past participle of appetere “to long for, desire; strive for, grasp at,” from ad- “to” (see ad-) + petere “go to, seek out” (see petition (n.)).

Of other desires or cravings, from late 14c. As an adjective form, OED lists appetitious (1650s) and appetitual (1610s) as “obsolete,” but appetitive (1570s) continues.

appetite ap·pe·tite (āp’ĭ-tīt’)
n.
An instinctive physical desire, as for food or sex.
see: whet one’s appetite