What does "gravel" mean?

1. (small stones) small, loose pieces of rock often used to make paths or roads. 2. (to cover with stones) to put a layer of small stones on a surface like a road. 3. (to annoy or puzzle) to make someone feel annoyed or confused.

How do you use "gravel"?

Usually uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.

gravel

n. · v.

US //ˈɡɹævəɫ// UK //ɡɹˈævəl// grav·el

1 small stones (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

small, loose pieces of rock often used to make paths or roads.

small fragments of rock, typically ranging from 2 to 64 mm, used for road beds, railway ballast, or landscaping.

Example

The car made a loud crunching noise as it drove over the gravel driveway.

Example

The contractor recommended a specific grade of river gravel to ensure proper drainage beneath the new patio installation.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.
2 to cover with stones (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical

to put a layer of small stones on a surface like a road.

to apply a layer of gravel to a surface, such as a path or roadbed.

Example

The workers will gravel the garden path tomorrow morning.

Example

The local council decided to gravel the rural access roads rather than paving them with expensive asphalt.
- surface
- pave

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3 to annoy or puzzle (v.)
C2 Proficiency Informal

to make someone feel annoyed or confused.

to irritate, vex, or perplex someone.

Example

It really gravels me when people don't clean up after themselves.

Example

The complexity of the legal documents seemed to gravel even the most experienced members of the firm.

Teacher's tip

This figurative use is less common in modern British English and may feel slightly dated or regional to some speakers.
- annoy
- vex
- perplex
- please
- clarify

Origin

From Middle English gravel, grauel, from Old French gravele, diminutive of grave (“gravel, seashore”), from Medieval Latin grava, ultimately from Proto-Celtic grāwā (“gravel, pebbles”) (compare Breton groa, Cornish grow, Welsh gro), from Proto-Indo-European gʰroh₁weh₂, from *gʰreh₁w- (“to grind”). Compare also Old English græfa (“coal”).