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
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
Tickets are $65 per person (includes tax, gratuity and $3 donation to Forgotten Harvest).
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
For the average guest, $17pp per day is charged to your shipboard account, to cover gratuities for headwaiters, waiters, bus staff and room stewards.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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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
Tickets are $65 per person (includes tax, gratuity and $3 donation to Forgotten Harvest).
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
For the average guest, $17pp per day is charged to your shipboard account, to cover gratuities for headwaiters, waiters, bus staff and room stewards.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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