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

Come evening, and the amber lighting of the Manor Inn beguiles; settle in with a pint of the local Wainwrights ale and its beef brisket with red wine gravy and roasted root vegetables. —Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026

Once your tsukemen appears — terrifically chewy noodles built to catch every drop of the accompanying half-broth, half-gravy, as heady as drippings scraped from a roasting pan — the world recedes. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Dutch-process cocoa is more neutral and gives a darker look to baked goods like rich chocolate cakes, devil's food cake, brownie pudding and other brownie creations, along with sauces like chocolate gravy or creamy hot chocolate. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

Rice and peas — to soak up the rich, molasses-like gravy — are non-negotiable. —Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 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