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
The cruise line states on its website that service gratuities are already covered in the fare price, including dining and beverage service.
—
Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
But Crystal’s rates include every restaurant, every bar, tasting dinners with wine pairings, champagne, unlimited in-room dining, even gratuities.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
According to the Internal Revenue Service, mandatory charges added by a business, including automatic gratuities or service charges, are considered separate from voluntary tips because customers do not decide the amount or whether to pay it.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
Ask the front desk to add a gratuity to your bill.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
But Crystal’s rates include every restaurant, every bar, tasting dinners with wine pairings, champagne, unlimited in-room dining, even gratuities.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
According to the Internal Revenue Service, mandatory charges added by a business, including automatic gratuities or service charges, are considered separate from voluntary tips because customers do not decide the amount or whether to pay it.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
Ask the front desk to add a gratuity to your bill.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 May 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 29 May. 2026.
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