gravy

noun

gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē How to pronounce gravy (audio)
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 gravyK. Crossen
b
: unearned or illicit gain : graft entry 3

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 Other unusual ingredients in later challenges included pork brains in gravy, musk sticks, moon snails and his least favorite — beef bile. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Stop Sales came down on cooked goat that measured 23 degrees too warm, marinated fish and gravy sauce, each 11 degrees too warm after being in a reach-in cooler overnight. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 The combo comes with six pieces of KFC's Original Recipe chicken on the bone, as well as four sides including mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, corn, mac & cheese and four biscuits, all for just $20, according to the company. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Get the Recipe Arkansas Dessert: Chocolate Gravy Also known as sopping chocolate, chocolate gravy is a classic sweet treat—whether served as breakfast, snack, or dessert—in the South, particularly in the regions of the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2024 The gravy of the original has a coarser texture, evoking a time before modern kitchen appliances, while the newer dish has a silkier, richer gravy. Suhasini Raj Anindito Mukherjee, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 The key is ripe avocados, the rest of the ingredients are gravy and to your taste. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024 Look for soul food favorites like beef tips and gravy alongside barbecue jackfruit. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2024 Whether paired with traditional gravy for breakfast or simply topped with butter to go alongside dinner, this is one quick bread that goes with any meal. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gravy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gravy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near gravy

Cite this Entry

“Gravy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gravy

noun
gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē How to pronounce gravy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on gravy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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