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

Getting life insurance as a veteran In addition to SGLI, families of military personnel killed in the line of duty have access to a $100,000 death gratuity, college scholarships for their children and Social Security survivor benefits for their partner. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025

Though Beaches is all-inclusive, certain services come at an extra charge, including the spa; gratuities are included, except for butlers, drivers, and spa therapists. —Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025

Tips and gratuities are also included at Club Med and Hilton’s all inclusives. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025

Labor advocates and many Democrats want workers to earn higher wages and rely less on gratuities. —Maya Huter, NBC News, 1 Mar. 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