Gravel: meaning, definitions and examples

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gravel

[ˈɡrævəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the road

Small stones and pebbles, often used to surface roads and paths.

Synonyms

crushed rock, pebbles, stones.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gravel	Gravel is small, loose pieces of rock that are typically used for roads, paths, or as a construction material. It's common in driveways, garden paths, and as a base for paving slabs. The driveway is covered in gravel to prevent mud We walked along a gravel path through the park
pebbles	Pebbles are small, smooth stones that are usually found on beaches or riverbeds. They are used decoratively in gardens, in aquarium substrates, or for crafts. The children collected colorful pebbles from the beach Pebbles are used to create a decorative feature in the garden
stones	Stones are larger pieces of rock that can vary in size and shape. They are often used in landscaping, for building walls, or as decorative elements in gardens. Stones can also refer to natural rock formations. We built a small wall using stones from the river Large stones were used to create a beautiful rock garden
crushed rock	Crushed rock is stones that have been mechanically broken into small fragments. It's often used in construction or as a base material for roads and buildings. It's also used for drainage and as a filler material in various projects. They used crushed rock as a base layer for the new road Crushed rock is ideal for creating a stable foundation for a building

Examples of usage

The driveway was covered in gravel.
She slipped on the loose gravel.
We need to add more gravel to the path.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

construction

To cover with gravel.

Synonyms

cover, pave, surface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gravel	Typically used when talking about small stones used for pathways, driveways, or as a base for construction. Often used in outdoor and landscaping contexts. The garden path was covered with gravel. We need more gravel for the driveway.
pave	Specifically refers to covering a road, walkway, or surface with a solid material like asphalt or concrete. Common in construction and urban development. They paved the old dirt road to make it more accessible. The city plans to pave the sidewalks next year.
surface	Used to refer to the top layer of something, or to cover an area to make it smooth. Applications can range from construction to everyday situations. The surface of the table was very smooth. After the road was surfaced, it was much easier to drive on.
cover	General term for placing something over or on top of another to protect, conceal, or decorate. It can be used in a variety of contexts including physical covering or metaphorically. Please cover the dishes with lids. Her job is to cover breaking news stories.

Examples of usage

They decided to gravel the driveway.
The workers will gravel the construction site.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old French 'gravel', which referred to small stones and pebbles.
The root word relates to 'grave', meaning gravel was historically associated with the beds of rivers.
Some theories suggest it may have roots in the Latin word 'gravelus', connecting it to loose material.

Construction

Gravel is a popular material for driveways and paths because it allows for good drainage.
In concrete, gravel acts as an aggregate, providing strength and stability to builds.
Recycled gravel from construction waste is becoming popular, promoting sustainability in building practices.

Geology

Gravel is formed from weathered rocks, eroded over time by water and weather conditions.
Different types of gravel can indicate the geological history of an area, showcasing how landscapes have changed.
There are two main types of gravel: natural gravel, which comes from riverbeds, and crushed stone, produced by breaking larger rocks.

Culture

Gravel has been featured in various cultural artifacts, notably in construction techniques used by ancient civilizations.
In landscaping, gravel is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, often used in Zen gardens for a tranquil effect.
Certain music genres, like country and rock, have songs that reference the journeys on gravel roads, symbolizing adventure and nostalgia.

Landscape Design

Using gravel in gardens can reduce water use by helping with drainage and soil aeration.
Gravel can also attract beneficial insects, providing habitats and promoting biodiversity in gardens.
In modern landscape design, gravel is often combined with other materials for a contrasting texture and visual interest.

Translations

Translations of the word "gravel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cascalho

🇮🇳 बजरी

🇩🇪 Kies

🇮🇩 kerikil

🇺🇦 гравій

🇵🇱 żwir

🇯🇵 砂利 (じゃり)

🇫🇷 gravier

🇪🇸 grava

🇹🇷 çakıl

🇰🇷 자갈

🇸🇦 حصى

🇨🇿 štěrk

🇸🇰 štrk

🇨🇳 砾石 (lìshí)

🇸🇮 gramoz

🇮🇸 möl

🇰🇿 қиыршық тас

🇬🇪 ხრეშილი

🇦🇿 çınqıl

🇲🇽 grava

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,551, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4554 publish
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