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

• 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

While traditional gravy may be acceptable other days of the year, for our readers, Giblet Gravy is a must-have on Thanksgiving Day. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025

From the back of the kitchen, Pat White, 76, watches her volunteers arrange Salisbury steaks, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots and salad in assembly line fashion onto white Styrofoam plates for hungry women and children at the Salvation Army Center of Hope. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025

Options include macaroni and cheese, green beans with ham and mashed potatoes with gravy. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Oct. 2025

The outlet said the group ate chicken and gravy. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 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

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