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

Pimentel’s analysis does factor in gratuities which are paid to roles that support guest services, such as cabin stewards, waiters in the dining room and others. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Many consumers mistakenly believe service charges and gratuities are interchangeable. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

How Cruise Tipping Works Some first-time cruisers may be shocked to learn that there is a per person—not per stateroom—gratuity and/or service charge already added into the cost of their cruise on many popular lines. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Douglas said automatic gratuities also serve a practical purpose for larger parties, helping to ensure servers are fairly compensated for the additional coordination and service those tables require. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 1 July 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