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
Entrée choices include an Oldtimer with Cheese and Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and 3-Count Chicken Crispers Soup with Side Salad (beverages and gratuity not included).
—
Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Entrée choices include an Oldtimer with Cheese and Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and 3-Count Chicken Crispers Soup with Side Salad (beverages and gratuity not included).
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Separately, several members of Congress from Nevada had asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to ensure that automatic gratuities are deemed eligible for the tips deduction.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Some hotels explicitly prohibit such gratuities, with employees risking termination if caught accepting them.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Entrée choices include an Oldtimer with Cheese and Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and 3-Count Chicken Crispers Soup with Side Salad (beverages and gratuity not included).
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Separately, several members of Congress from Nevada had asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to ensure that automatic gratuities are deemed eligible for the tips deduction.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Some hotels explicitly prohibit such gratuities, with employees risking termination if caught accepting them.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
Cite this Entry
“Gratuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratuity. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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