Did you know that 'gravel' is actually French?

'Gravel' is a word borrowed from French 'grave'. The word entered the English language some time around the 13th century.

gravel [noun] [13th century]

• sand
• loose rounded fragments of rock
• a stratum or deposit of gravel
• a surface covered with gravel

See 'gravel' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French 'gravele' diminutive of 'grave, greve' river bank, stony ground

See more loan words from 1200s.