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 of gratuity

• tip
• bonus
• gift

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

High-quality experiences are being rewarded with higher gratuity. —Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026

As for gratuities, those will go up by an extra dollar a day. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026

In the ruling, the court noted that Indiana didn’t have a law against gratuity, so the court ruled in Snyder’s favor, Slager said. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

Now, the Supreme Court has sharply limited the application of sections 201, both the section on bribery and the section on gratuities. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026

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