gravel

2 syllables · also gravelled, gravelling

Quick answer

As a noun, gravel means small fragments of rock, used for laying on the beds of roads and railways, and as ballast. As a verb, it means apply a layer of gravel to the surface of a road, etc.

Meanings of gravel

15 meanings

noun

Small fragments of rock, used for laying on the beds of roads and railways, and as ballast.
A type or grade of small rocks, differentiated by mineral type, size range, or other characteristics.
geologyA particle from 2 to 64 mm in diameter, following the Wentworth scale.
A lameness in the foot of a horse, usually caused by an abscess.
cyclingGravel cycling, a discipline in cycling different from road cycling, mountain biking or cyclocross, for a large part on gravel roads, typically with a dedicated gravel bike

Older and rare meanings (2)

archaicKidney stones; a deposit of small calculous concretions in the kidneys and the urinary or gall bladder; also, the disease of which they are a symptom.
rareInability to see at night; night blindness.

verb

To apply a layer of gravel to the surface of a road, etc.
To puzzle or annoy.
To run (as a ship) upon the gravel or beach; to run aground; to cause to stick fast in gravel or sand.
To check or stop; to confound; to perplex.
To hurt or lame (a horse) by gravel lodged between the shoe and foot.
Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
“Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me”
“It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves”
Similar: annoy, rag, get to, bother, get at, irritate
Cover with gravel
“We gravelled the driveway”
Be a mystery or bewildering to
“This beats me!”
“Got me — I don't know the answer!”
“a vexing problem”
Similar: perplex, vex, stick, get, puzzle, mystify