gravel

/ˈɡrævəl/
noun
  1. Small stones and pebbles, often used for paths, driveways, or in construction.
    • The construction crew dumped a truckload of gravel near the foundation.
    • The driveway was covered with loose gravel that crunched under our feet.
    • We spread a layer of gravel around the garden to prevent weeds from growing.
verb
  1. To cover a surface with gravel.
    • The city plans to gravel the park paths next spring.
    • They hired a team to gravel the long driveway leading to the farmhouse.
    • We need to gravel the area under the swing set to make it safer.
  2. To irritate or annoy someone.
    • It gravels her when people don't return borrowed items.
    • The slow internet connection gravels everyone in the office.
    • His constant humming really gravels me during meetings.
  3. To confuse or perplex someone.
    • The tricky math problem graveled the entire class.
    • The complex instructions graveled the new employees.
    • His sudden change of plans graveled his friends.