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

From crowd favorite cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy, it may have been blown up for its shrine of 1950s nostalgia, but customers stay for the consistently good southern food. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026

Dry mouth Moisten foods with sauces, gravies or broth. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Guests can pick up a complete spread for 6–8 people, featuring mashed potatoes and gravy, homestyle sides, yeast rolls and a whole cake or pie. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Easter specials include a 14-ounce prime rib with baked potato ($32); 12-ounce ribeye with baked potato ($30); roast duck with mashed potatoes and gravy ($25); Atlantic salmon with rice and fresh broccoli ($21); or baked ham with mashed potatoes and gravy ($19). —Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 23 Mar. 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