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 of gravy

• 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

Available in 5-piece, 8-piece, 15-piece and 30-piece order sizes, the nuggets come in mini-buckets along with Jollibee’s signature gravy or one of five dipping sauces. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Sharifi highlighted the gravy, cinnamon roll and skillet dishes for breakfast. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Once synonymous with red-gravy joints, the culinary landscape of South Philly now tells a broader story, with chapters written by more recent immigrants from Latin America and Southeast Asia. — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Locals wax poetic over the fried shrimp at Domilise’s, a venerable dive open since 1918, and Parkway Bakery and Tavern, a Mid-City institution that offers an excellent slow-roasted beef version with a slathering of gravy. — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026

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

Rhymes for gravy

• navy
• wavy

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