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

• tip
• bonus
• gift

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Initially offering to split it three ways due to an automatic gratuity policy for large parties, Stewart was met with increasingly unreasonable requests, culminating in a demand for nine individual checks. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Prices start at $99 per adult and $50 per child, plus tax and gratuity. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

There’s no fee per se, the fortune tellers do expect a small gratuity. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

The cruise line also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and covers all port charges and gratuities on board and onshore as standard. —AFAR Media, 20 May 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