noun

gratuity

gruh-TYOO-ih-tee

Gratuity (noun) means a sum of money given to a member of staff for good service, especially in a restaurant or hotel; a tip. Example: “A gratuity of 12.5 per cent has been added to your bill.”

noun

formal A sum of money given to a member of staff for good service, especially in a restaurant or hotel; a tip.

"A gratuity of 12.5 per cent has been added to your bill."

"The cruise fare includes all gratuities for the crew."

formal A lump sum paid to an employee or member of the armed forces on leaving or retiring.

"He received a modest gratuity after twenty-two years' service."

How to use gratuity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtra money you give a worker to thank them for good service.

When to use it

Formal. Menus, invoices and cruise contracts use gratuity; people speaking use tip.

Memory tip

Plural gratuities. As an adjective, gratuitous no longer means 'given freely' in everyday use, so do not treat the two as a pair.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

tip → service charge honorarium

Common pairings

a gratuity is included discretionary gratuity leave a gratuity gratuities not included

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ of 12.5 per cent has been added to your bill.

Etymology

Via French gratuité from medieval Latin gratuitas, 'gift', from Latin gratus, 'pleasing, thankful'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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tip service charge bonus severance payment lump sum

Related words

end point top advice wind tip peak tag

Rhymes for gratuity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for gratuity →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a gratuity and a service charge?

A gratuity is normally voluntary and decided by the customer. A service charge is added by the business as a set percentage and may be compulsory. How each is shared with staff depends on the venue and on local law, so it is fair to ask.

Is a gratuity the same as a tip?

Yes in meaning; the difference is register. Gratuity is the formal word used on bills and in contracts, while tip is what people say and write informally.

Do I still tip if a gratuity is included?

Usually not. If the bill already shows a gratuity or service charge, the expectation has been met, though many people round up for unusually good service.

What is the meaning of gratuity?

"gratuity" (noun) means a sum of money given to a member of staff for good service, especially in a restaurant or hotel; a tip.

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end point top advice wind tip peak tag