gravy

noun

gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē 

plural gravies

1

: a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat

2

a

: something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable

with expenses now paid, future money is pure gravy

—K. Crossen

b

: unearned or illicit gain : graft entry 3

Synonyms

• dressing
• sauce

Examples of gravy in a Sentence

The bonus he received in addition to his salary was pure gravy.

order a large serving of fries with extra gravy

Recent Examples on the Web

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a roll. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2025

Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and your favorite side dishes. —Randy Graham, Orange County Register, 4 Feb. 2025

Selig liked to joke about how Uecker's initial scouting report was stained with mashed potatoes and gravy. —CBS News, 16 Jan. 2025

Use simple seasonings and prepare foods without salt, sauces, and gravies. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gravey, from Anglo-French gravé broth, stew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gravy

• gravy train
• redeye gravy

Kids Definition

gravy

noun

gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē 

plural gravies

1

: a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat

2

: something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable