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

Secret ingredient number one: a spoonful of dried mushroom gravy mix.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

In Italian, scarpetta involves the scooping up of the leftover gravy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

A brown gravy packet Not something I use often, but something I’m glad to have.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2026

"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 • Dec. 24, 2025

Pork chops smothered in gravy, green beans floating in butter, cornbread hot and fluffy.

From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Related Words

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