gravy

noun

gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē How to pronounce gravy (audio)
plural gravies
Synonyms of gravynext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 When the restaurant itself opens, diners can also expect to see Giancarlo’s take on his grandmother’s spaghetti & blue crab, smothered in Sunday gravy and spaghetti tossed in the same sauce, topped with fresh basil. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 The versatile kitchen ingredient is used in everything from our honey-soy glaze for salmon, to seasoning Thanksgiving gravy. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gravy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gravey, from Anglo-French gravé broth, stew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gravy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing gravy

Rhymes for gravy

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Browse Nearby Words

gravure
gravy
gravy boat
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Cite this Entry

“Gravy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gravy

noun
gra·​vy ˈgrā-vē How to pronounce gravy (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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