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

Snag a table on the expansive patio to take in the views and dine on brunch classics like French toast, biscuits and gravy, omelets, shrimp and grits, and breakfast sandwiches. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025

Then all the rest of it becomes gravy at that point. —Peter White, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025

Isn’t this the kind of biscuits-and-gravy place Lee thinks Betty Jo would like? —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025

The menu includes a chicken and waffle combo, shrimp and grits, gumbo, oxtails with sweet brown gravy, and other traditional soul food dishes. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 7 Oct. 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