gravy

[grey-vee]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravy¹

C14: from Old French gravé, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Biscuits and red gravy, hash brown bites, chocolate chip cookies, club sandwiches, market salads and other quintessential American foods — all served on opening day — are now nowhere to be found.

Read more on Salon

Gravy boats overflowed — not with gravy, but with tubs of dipping sauce.

Read more on Salon

For the jury, Ian recounted watching the parcels go onto four grey plates – and an orange one for Erin – with mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy heaped on the side.

Read more on BBC

One of my favorite lazy breakfasts, picked up from childhood summers in the Carolinas, was a bowl of cheesy grits topped with tomato gravy and a lush, freshly burst egg yolk.

Read more on Salon

Ms Patterson told the court she had served up the food and instructed her guests to grab a plate themselves as she finished preparing gravy.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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