gravelly

adjective

grav·​el·​ly ˈgra-v(ə-)lē 

1

: of, containing, or covered with gravel

2

: having a rough or grating sound

a gravelly voice

Synonyms of gravelly

• hoarse
• gruff
• husky

Examples of gravelly in a Sentence

his singing voice is a little gravelly, but otherwise he's a fine musician

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the album’s most profound moments arrives via director David Cronenberg, who muses on change and permanence in his gravelly tenor. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

This Mediterranean herb likes the heat but not the humidity, so make certain to plant it in full sun in sandy or gravelly soil. — Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

His voice, including its gravelly quality and thick Cockney accent, was replicated with his permission through a deal with ElevenLabs, which licenses AI versions of artists’ voices. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 23 June 2026

The original super Tuscan, Sassicaia—the place of many stones—takes its named from the gravelly soil of the Tenuta San Guido estate in Bolgheri. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gravelly

adjective

grav·​el·​ly ˈgrav-(ə-)lē 

1

: of, containing, or covered with gravel

gravelly soil

2

: having a harsh scratchy sound

a gravelly voice