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

"We're not the biggest fans of roast dinners anyway. I hate gravy and my partner doesn't like vegetables," said Jon, from Cardiff.

From BBC

To attract increasingly discerning consumers, Kroger has offered a precooked holiday meal for eight of turkey or ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry and gravy for about $11 a person.

From Los Angeles Times

I always tell the departments, let’s choose meatballs and gravy.

From Los Angeles Times

“We won’t be there at all this holiday season,” said Cover, who thinks the chain’s gravy, pot pies and chicken have all suffered.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was after one of those late-afternoon bread drops that he told me about gravy bread, delivering the tip the way someone offers a home remedy, low-voiced and almost tender.

From Salon

Related Words

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