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
- perquisite
- tip
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The cost is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 
Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2022 There are 48 restaurants partaking this year, with prix-fixe lunches and dinners ranging from $35 to $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2022 Reiki sessions are 15 minutes, no charge, gratuity only. Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2022 The price of the food itself isn’t changing, but whereas dining prices previously included both meals and service, diners will now be asked to pay a gratuity to their server. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 June 2022 In some countries, leaving a gratuity is still considered offensive, pandemic or not. Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2022 Dinners are $250 per person and include around nine courses, wine pairings and gratuity. oregonlive, 23 Apr. 2022 Some restaurants have tried to solve the inequities and unpredictability of tipping by adding an automatic gratuity to each bill. New York Times, 19 Apr. 2022 The package includes gourmet meals, unlimited snacks, smoothies, specialty coffee and gratuity. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2022 See More
Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2022 There are 48 restaurants partaking this year, with prix-fixe lunches and dinners ranging from $35 to $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2022 Reiki sessions are 15 minutes, no charge, gratuity only. Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2022 The price of the food itself isn’t changing, but whereas dining prices previously included both meals and service, diners will now be asked to pay a gratuity to their server. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 June 2022 In some countries, leaving a gratuity is still considered offensive, pandemic or not. Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2022 Dinners are $250 per person and include around nine courses, wine pairings and gratuity. oregonlive, 23 Apr. 2022 Some restaurants have tried to solve the inequities and unpredictability of tipping by adding an automatic gratuity to each bill. New York Times, 19 Apr. 2022 The package includes gourmet meals, unlimited snacks, smoothies, specialty coffee and gratuity. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see gratuitous
First Known Use
1540, in the meaning defined above
gratuity
noun
1
as in tip
a small sum of money given for a service over and above what is due for parties of eight or more, we automatically add a 15% gratuity onto the bill Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tip
- bonus
- gift
- perquisite
- reward
- donation
- contribution
- present
- largesse
- largess
- offering
- lagniappe
- favor
2
as in bonus
something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed got a $100 gratuity in addition to his regular pay Synonyms & Similar Words
- bonus
- dividend
- tip
- gift
- pension
- perquisite
- contribution
- donation
- perk
- donative
- extra
- gravy
- reward
- subsidy
- lagniappe
- gravy train
- presentation
- generosity
- offering
- bounty
- premium
- bestowal
- present
- benefaction
- throw-in
- benevolence
- cumshaw
- beneficence
- award
- prize
- largesse
- grant
- windfall
- largess
- charity
- philanthropy
- boon
- giveaway
- fringe benefit
- icing
- freebee
- manna
- favor
- freebie