gravelly
Americanadjective
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consisting of or abounding in gravel
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of or like gravel
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(esp of a voice) harsh and grating
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gravelly
First recorded in 1350–1400, gravelly is from the Middle English word gravelli. See gravel, -y 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With his gravelly voice, scruffy appearance and working-class back story, he gained a passionate following both in Maine and nationally.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
“Well, look, that’s my whole thing,” Steyer responded in his low, gravelly voice.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
While my vocal cords spasm apart, his spasm together; while my voice gets soft and whispery, his voice is tight and gravelly.
From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2026
Instead, in his gravelly voice, Greenspan said, “This is the first time in history that a reporter has ever apologized to the Federal Reserve.”
From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026
He scooted down a gravelly slope to a pier jutting out over the shallow water.
From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
