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

“Good gravy,” the admiral remarked as he helped himself to the last of it.

Read more on Literature

In addition to fresh vegetables, our dinners often consisted of chicken or meat loaf, beans, potatoes, and gravy.

Read more on Literature

“There are more important things to think about on Thanksgiving than worrying about a lumpy gravy!”

Read more on Salon

Remember, the term life gravy train doesn’t last forever.

Read more on MarketWatch

The rest of the meal, fully prepared and frozen, includes mashed potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, sweet corn, green-bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry relish, dinner rolls, a pumpkin pie and an apple cobbler.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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