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

Did you know?

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

Automatic gratuity is allowed, but it must be clearly labeled and go to the wait staff. —April Rubin, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024

The promotion does not include gratuities, and the Disney+ subscriber must be listed as the primary guest on the reservation. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2024

More recent data indicates gratuities at sit-down restaurants have been pretty anemic lately. —J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024

In a nod to the Busy Bee Cafe, which occupied the space before Young Hearts, the restaurant's final bash will offer original Busy Bee menu items, an open bar and a DJ. Tickets, which include gratuity, are $200. —Lucille Sherman, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

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