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

The menu features nostalgic favorites and Southern specialties, including burgers, biscuits and gravy, and milkshakes. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 5 July 2025

Menu includes blueberry pancakes, biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, breakfast sampler and more. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

That said, many Sunday gravy recipes feature two or more meats. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025

Pasta sauce or gravy: Jarred sauces aren’t allowed alone, but sauces already on food are okay. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 23 June 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