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

Served in a rich gravy over cassava dumplings, the latter was hard not to order every time. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

The steak was crisp and deeply browned on the outside, with a tender, savory center underneath, and the blanket of brown gravy softened the crunchy crust and added a rich, salty flavor without overpowering the meat. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Having the movie actually make some decent money is just gravy. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 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