gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty grə-ˈtü-ə-tē How to pronounce gratuity (audio)
-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.

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tax and optional gratuity are not included in the price. Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 3 Jan. 2025 Bourbon Steak by Michael Min will serve a New Year's Eve dinner with two seating options in different price tiers: $315 for the first seating and $450 for the second seating, both including tax and gratuity. Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 17 Dec. 2024 Reservations are available from 5-10 p.m. MORE INFORMATION: $100 per person plus tax and gratuity. Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024 Le Crocodile at Wythe Hotel To ring in 2025, Le Crocodile in Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel is offering a luxurious four-course menu from 5-10pm for $163 per person plus tax, gratuity and beverages. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gratuity 

Word History

Etymology

see gratuitous

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratuity was in 1540

Dictionary Entries Near gratuity

Cite this Entry

“Gratuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratuity. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

gratuity

noun
gra·​tu·​i·​ty
grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē
plural gratuities
: something given freely
especially : tip entry 10

More from Merriam-Webster on gratuity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!