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
While one-off evenings out may not require gratuity, UrbanSitter told Nexstar in an email that when tips are given, the average amount is 20%.
—
Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 14 Feb. 2026
Rates at Raffles Boston for the experience start at $10,000 for two, plus tax and gratuity, which includes the overnight stay in the Presidential Suite.
—Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
High-quality experiences are being rewarded with higher gratuity.
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
As for gratuities, those will go up by an extra dollar a day.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuity
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Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 14 Feb. 2026
Rates at Raffles Boston for the experience start at $10,000 for two, plus tax and gratuity, which includes the overnight stay in the Presidential Suite.
—Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
High-quality experiences are being rewarded with higher gratuity.
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
As for gratuities, those will go up by an extra dollar a day.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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