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

• dressing
• 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

The diner specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine and serves just breakfast and lunch, with various egg scrambles, to-die-for biscuits and gravy, po’boys, burgers, and sandwiches on the menu. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2025

Choose from their biscuit sandwiches, like the East Nasty that tops a biscuit with fried chicken, cheese, and sausage gravy. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025

Dolly’s recipe, fried up in tallow, is beyond compare, especially drenched in her white pan country gravy. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

Dip them into the tangy sauce, the Heinz ketchup or the cream gravy. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 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