gravel

grav-el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Small stones and pebbles, or a mixture of these with sand, used for paths and roads.

  2. 2.

    To cover with gravel.

  3. 3.

    Small stones that form in the kidneys or bladder (medical).

  4. 4.

    To irritate or annoy (informal, dated).

Phrases & expressions

  • gravel road — an unpaved road surfaced with gravel
  • gravel pit — a place where gravel is extracted
  • gravel voice — a rough, gravelly voice

Related words

See also: pebble, sand, stone
Synonyms: pebbles, shingle, stones

Etymology

From Old French gravele, diminutive of grave ("sand, shore"), possibly of Celtic origin.