Meaning & Definition of word "Gruel"
to
Gruel
/ˈɡruː.əl/
noun:
- 1. A thin, watery porridge or soup, often made by boiling oats or other grains in water or milk.
- Example: After a long day of work, he found comfort in a bowl of warm gruel.
- 2. A harsh or boring situation or experience, often used metaphorically.
- Example: The lecture turned out to be a gruel of endless facts and figures.
verb:
- 1. To prepare or serve gruel.
- Example: The nurse grueled the oatmeal for the patients who needed a light meal.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'gruel', of uncertain origin.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Run-of-the-mill gruel:
Something that is ordinary and lacks excitement or quality.
Gruel and bare bones:
Refers to something that is minimal or lacking in abundance.
Related Words
porridge:
A hot cereal dish made by boiling oats or other grains in milk or water.
pottage:
A thick soup made by boiling vegetables, such as peas, beans, or grains.
broth:
A liquid in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been cooked.
Slang Meanings of gruel
Meaning: Basic or bland food.
Example Sentence: The meal was just gruel, nothing special.
Meaning: Something that is boring or uninteresting.
Example Sentence: His speech was as dull as gruel.