gravy

American  

[grey-vee] / ˈgreɪ vi /

noun

plural

gravies

1. the fat and juices that drip from cooking meat, often thickened, seasoned, flavored, etc., and used as a sauce for meat, potatoes, rice, etc.

2. Slang.

   1. profit or money easily obtained or received unexpectedly.

   2. money illegally or dishonestly acquired, especially through graft.

3. something advantageous or valuable that is received or obtained as a benefit beyond what is due or expected.

---

gravy British  

/ ˈɡreɪvɪ /

noun

1. 1. the juices that exude from meat during cooking

   2. the sauce made by thickening and flavouring such juices

2. slang money or gain acquired with little effort, esp above that needed for ordinary living

3. slang wonderful; excellent

   it's all gravy

---

Etymology

Origin of gravy

1350–1400; 1905–10 gravy for def. 2; Middle English gravé, gravey < Old French gravé, perhaps misreading of grané (compare grain spice) < Latin granātus full of grains. See grain, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday and mountains of leftover turkey sandwiches to come, Kraft Heinz this month began selling its Heinz Homestyle Turkey Gravy with a new, squeezable bottle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

I also have another one with Yung Gravy, who is also very lovely.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

“I plan to do a brown butter and sage sauce to go over them. Gravy seems too heavy on top of the pasta.”

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2023

"Sorry to say that I have to cancel our shows this week. I’m sure you’re thinking, 'Turkey overdose, Steve? Gravy boat capsize?' Actually, I’m recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix," he wrote.

From Reuters • Nov. 27, 2023

"Gravy on the turkey" was what she called it when someone was buttering her up.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• benefit
• dividend
• extra
• gratuity
• guerdon
• pay dirt
• perk
• windfall