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

But despite an early, modest uptick in tipping during the pandemic recovery, many people have consistently shown no difficulty declining requests to add gratuities. —J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024

In October, gratuities made up nearly 23% of restaurant workers' pay across the U.S. — up from 14% in 2019. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024

In the ruling penned by Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, the court found that officials could be prosecuted for bribery but not for accepting gratuities for past favors if there was no evidence of an illicit deal. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

This place has a service fee included, so no need for additional gratuity. —Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 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