gratuity

noun

gra·​tu·​i·​ty grə-ˈtü-ə-tē How to pronounce gratuity (audio)
-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.

Examples of gratuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Most prices don’t include tax, gratuity or beverages, but there are a few exceptions. Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2024 Dinners start at $280 per person, including tax and gratuity, and must be reserved in advance. Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2023 Price: $70 per adult and $35 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024 While the food is free, beverages, tax and gratuity are not included. John Towfighi, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Invitations, bills and tips go hand in hand One rule of thumb is that the person who invites someone on a date should pay the tab, including gratuity. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2024 The service provider receives the full amount of gratuity from the sender without the need for cash or exchanging bank information. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2024 Keep in mind most prices listed do not include tax or gratuity. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Feb. 2024 All are good for Feb. 14 only, and prices don’t include tax and gratuity. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gratuity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see gratuitous

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratuity was in 1540

Dictionary Entries Near gratuity

Cite this Entry

“Gratuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratuity. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gratuity

noun
gra·​tu·​i·​ty
grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē
plural gratuities
: something given freely
especially : tip entry 10

More from Merriam-Webster on gratuity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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