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
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
Beneath the charges for chicken and ribeye skewers, french fries and iced teas, the Town Center mall restaurant had added a 20% automatic gratuity and 3% service fee.
—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Companies may not advertise prices that fail to disclose service, processing, or convenience fees, surcharges, and mandatory gratuities upfront.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Some restaurants and bars in the Crossroads are pivoting — reducing staff, taking off automatic gratuity and even reducing hours — in response to a World Cup that’s brought businesses the usual amount or even fewer customers than a typical summer in Kansas City.
—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Beneath the charges for chicken and ribeye skewers, french fries and iced teas, the Town Center mall restaurant had added a 20% automatic gratuity and 3% service fee.
—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Companies may not advertise prices that fail to disclose service, processing, or convenience fees, surcharges, and mandatory gratuities upfront.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Some restaurants and bars in the Crossroads are pivoting — reducing staff, taking off automatic gratuity and even reducing hours — in response to a World Cup that’s brought businesses the usual amount or even fewer customers than a typical summer in Kansas City.
—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
Cite this Entry
“Gratuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratuity. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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