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

What’s better than sausage and gravy? —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026

Breakfast is served all day long, and the full-service diner has all of the classics—everything from breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros to biscuits and gravy and pancakes. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

The topping is light and fluffy and helps to soak up the delicious flavors from the chicken and gravy-like mixture at the bottom. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2026

Donate anything that is still usable and consider giving sentimental items, such as your grandmother’s gravy boat, to another family member who may appreciate (and use) it more. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 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