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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
a gratuity is included
discretionary gratuity
leave a gratuity
gratuities not included
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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'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gratuity
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.
