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 former is a distinct brand name and swims in a pool of chili gravy and doesn't usually include meat or sugars. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2024

Oscar is a cherry on the banana split of Downey’s storied career − an extra bit of gravy on the Gen X icon’s loaded mashed potatoes. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024

Cost starting at Easter Prime Rib Family Dinner (serves four to six): Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted gravy, choice of two country sides and sweet yeast rolls. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 29 Feb. 2024

Osteria by Fabio Viviani The brunch buffet runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features frittatas; pancakes; charcuterie; carving and potato stations; shrimp and grits; and biscuits and gravy. —The Indianapolis Star, 27 Mar. 2024

Other foods that may trigger Crohn’s symptoms or aggravate flares include: Fatty cuts of meat Fatty sauces like gravy Full-fat dairy products like ice cream, butter, and cream Milk and Dairy Lactose intolerance is more common in people with Crohn’s disease compared to the general population. —Toby Amidor, Rd, Health, 23 Mar. 2024

Plus, it's covered in gravy and bacon before serving. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024

During a red carpet interview with CNN, the actor talked about what his family had done that day leading up to the major event, which included biscuits and gravy. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024

Use hard cider in your gravy, in your cold-weather punches, in stews, and even desserts. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2024

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

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