gratuity
noun
gra·tu·i·ty
grə-ˈtü-ə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural gratuities
: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service
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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.
Examples of gratuity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Margaritaville at Sea is the latest cruise line to raise its gratuity rates.
—
Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
As a candidate, Trump first announced the idea of ending gratuity taxes during a rally in June in Las Vegas.
—Will Weissert and Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
As a candidate, Trump first announced the idea of ending gratuity taxes during a rally in June in Las Vegas — a proposal later copied by his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Those who book a premium suite can upgrade to the all-inclusive fare, which includes alcohol, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
As a candidate, Trump first announced the idea of ending gratuity taxes during a rally in June in Las Vegas.
—Will Weissert and Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
As a candidate, Trump first announced the idea of ending gratuity taxes during a rally in June in Las Vegas — a proposal later copied by his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Those who book a premium suite can upgrade to the all-inclusive fare, which includes alcohol, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
Cite this Entry
“Gratuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratuity. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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