# gravel

/ˈɡɹævəɫ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈævəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gravel
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. small stones

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. to cover with stones

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The workers will gravel the garden path tomorrow morning.
- The local council decided to gravel the rural access roads rather than paving them with expensive asphalt.

### 4. to annoy or puzzle

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to make someone feel annoyed or confused.

For teachers: to irritate, vex, or perplex someone.

- It really gravels me when people don't clean up after themselves.
- The complexity of the legal documents seemed to gravel even the most experienced members of the firm.

Teaching tip: This figurative use is less common in modern British English and may feel slightly dated or regional to some speakers.

## Examples

- The car tires crunched loudly on the loose gravel.
- We decided to lay down grey gravel in the garden to create a low-maintenance path between the flower beds.
- The driveway was surfaced with crushed limestone gravel, which provided excellent drainage during the heavy autumn rains but required occasional raking to maintain an even level.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.