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

If a restaurant charges a mandatory gratuity fee for a certain number of people who dine-in, the attorney general’s office said that fee must be folded into menu prices. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 15 May 2024

While changing tipping norms at home can leave American consumers frustrated over ubiquitous gratuity prompts these days, a completely different set of unspoken rules govern tipping expectations overseas — and some French restaurant operators may be eager to take advantage of foreigners' ignorance. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see gratuitous

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty

grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē

plural gratuities

: something given freely

especially : tip entry 10