gravel

American  

[grav-uhl] / ˈgræv əl /

noun

1. small stones and pebbles, or a mixture of these with sand.

2. Pathology.

   1. multiple small calculi formed in the kidneys.

   2. the disease characterized by such concretions.

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verb (used with object)

graveled, graveling, gravelled, gravelling

1. to cover with gravel.

2. to bring to a standstill from perplexity; puzzle.

3. Informal. to be a cause of irritation to.

4. Obsolete. to run (a ship) aground, as on a beach.

adjective

1. harsh and grating.

   a gravel voice.

gravel British  

/ ˈɡrævəl /

noun

1. an unconsolidated mixture of rock fragments that is coarser than sand

2. geology a mixture of rock fragments with diameters in the range 4–76 mm

3. pathol small rough calculi in the kidneys or bladder

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verb

1. to cover with gravel

2. to confound or confuse

3. informal to annoy or disturb

Other Word Forms

• gravelish adjective
• ungraveled adjective
• ungravelled adjective
• well-graveled adjective
• well-gravelled adjective

Etymology

Origin of gravel

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French gravele, diminutive of grave sandy shore, perhaps < Celtic; grave ⁴, growan

Example Sentences

Protected from the rain, she crunched up the gravel path.

From Literature

We knew it was a risk, but we walked straight up the gravel drive and knocked loudly on the huge front door.

From Literature

The roads were graveled and pretty good between the church and our place, and it was getting past the heat of the day.

From Literature

I don’t hear his footsteps on the gravel.

From Literature

Jonas looks around, taking in every detail of the trees, sky and gravel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sand
• shale