gratuity
noun
gra·tu·i·ty
grə-ˈtü-ə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural gratuities
: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service
Did you know?
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’s all-inclusive pricing model covers wifi, tips and gratuities, dining at more than 20 eateries, non-alcoholic beverages, fitness classes and entertainment.
—
Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Councilmember Charles Allen, would prevent banks and credit card companies from collecting processing fees on sales tax and gratuities—charges that businesses don’t even keep.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Tickets are $100 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and can be reserved through OpenTable.
Date: Monday, May 5
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 May 2025
Dine Out Lauderdale, Broward County’s recipe for recharging restaurants through the slow summer slump, returns Aug. 1-Sept. 30 with 137 (and counting) eateries selling multi-course lunches and dinners for $35 to $75, minus tax and gratuity.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Councilmember Charles Allen, would prevent banks and credit card companies from collecting processing fees on sales tax and gratuities—charges that businesses don’t even keep.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Tickets are $100 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and can be reserved through OpenTable.
Date: Monday, May 5
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 May 2025
Dine Out Lauderdale, Broward County’s recipe for recharging restaurants through the slow summer slump, returns Aug. 1-Sept. 30 with 137 (and counting) eateries selling multi-course lunches and dinners for $35 to $75, minus tax and gratuity.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share