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
Add in thoughtful touches like daily breakfasts, two delightful dinners, baggage transfers, and even select gratuities handled for you, and the experience becomes effortlessly luxurious.
—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
The legislation would also require restaurants to disclose who is receiving the gratuity or service charge and break down the percentages.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Worth noting: For Virginia restaurant workers, the profession most closely associated with relying on gratuity for their income, tips made up 23% of restaurant workers' pay in 2024, up from 19% in 2019, per Square.
—Karri Peifer, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Courtesy of Canyon Spirit The Signature Experience (the company’s version of coach service) includes daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages aboard, motorcoach transfers to the hotels, luggage transfers, and gratuities for the service team.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
The legislation would also require restaurants to disclose who is receiving the gratuity or service charge and break down the percentages.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Worth noting: For Virginia restaurant workers, the profession most closely associated with relying on gratuity for their income, tips made up 23% of restaurant workers' pay in 2024, up from 19% in 2019, per Square.
—Karri Peifer, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Courtesy of Canyon Spirit The Signature Experience (the company’s version of coach service) includes daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages aboard, motorcoach transfers to the hotels, luggage transfers, and gratuities for the service team.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2025.
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