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

• tip
• bonus
• gift

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new tax law could restructure compensation in an emerging industry to draw even more heavily on gratuities. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

Overage charges, taxes, and gratuities are not included. —Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

One of the provisions in the bill allows tipped workers to deduct gratuity earnings from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

The fares include meals and drinks – including alcoholic beverages on board – flights and hotels between cruise segments, Wi-Fi, gratuities and more. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see gratuitous

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gratuity

• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity
• fatuity
• tenuity
• vacuity
• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity
• ingenuity

Kids Definition

gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty

grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē

plural gratuities

: something given freely

especially : tip entry 10