Gravel consists of very small stones. It is often used to make paths.
...a gravel path leading to the front door.
gravel in British English
(ˈɡrævəl)
noun
1.
an unconsolidated mixture of rock fragments that is coarser than sand
2. geology
a mixture of rock fragments with diameters in the range 4–76 mm
3. pathology
small rough calculi in the kidneys or bladder
verbWord forms: -els, -elling, -elledWord forms: US-els, -eling or -eled(transitive)
4.
to cover with gravel
5.
to confound or confuse
6. US informal
to annoy or disturb
Derived forms
gravelish (ˈgravelish)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French gravele, diminutive of grave gravel, perhaps of Celtic origin
gravel in American English
(ˈgrævəl)
noun
1.
a loose mixture of pebbles and rock fragments coarser than sand, often mixed with clay, etc.
2. Medicine
a deposit of small concretions that form in the kidneys or gallbladder and that may be retained, passed on to the urinary bladder, or passed from the body
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈgraveled or ˈgravelled, ˈgraveling or ˈgravelling
3.
to cover (a walk, driveway, etc.) with gravel
4.
to embarrass or perplex
5. US, Informal
to irritate or annoy
Word origin
ME < OFr gravelle, dim. of grave, coarse sand, seashore < or akin to Gaul *grava, stone < IE base *ghreu-, to rub hard, pulverize > grit
Examples of 'gravel' in a sentence
gravel
Top off the baskets with washed gravel to stop the aquatic compost floating away.