gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty grə-ˈtü-ə-tē 

-ˈtyü-

plural gratuities

: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service

especially : tip

added a gratuity for the server

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Gratuity vs. Tip

Gratuity is a fancier and more formal word than tip. It occurs most often in written notices along the lines of "Gratuities accepted". Its formality makes it best suited for describing tips of the dignified, expensive variety. For the taxi driver who takes you to the superb Belgian restaurant, it's a tip; for the restaurant's maitre d', it's a gratuity.

Synonyms

• perquisite
• tip

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the high court’s 6-3 ruling that the payment was a gratuity, the Supreme Court remanded the case to the appellate court, which determined, according to its filing, that the district court in Hammond could proceed with another trial if the government so decided. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

What to watch: The CRA and other industry leaders are pushing their own legislative agenda to offer restaurants relief, including: Removing state sales taxes and gratuities from credit card swipe fees. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025

However, passengers take the risk of losing inclusions from their initial booking – such as prepaid gratuities – and could have to cancel and rebook their cruise in order to get the lower price. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025

Royal Caribbean International raised its gratuity rates in November. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see gratuitous

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty

grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē

plural gratuities

: something given freely

especially : tip entry 10