noun
Uncommon
tipping
TIH-pihng
Tipping (noun) means the practice of giving a small sum of money to a service worker. Example: “Tipping customs vary a lot between countries.”
noun
1
The practice of giving a small sum of money to a service worker.
"Tipping customs vary a lot between countries."
2
The act of tilting or overturning something.
"The scaffolding was at risk of tipping in the wind."
How to use tipping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe custom of giving gratuities, or the act of something tilting over.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
tipping point
tipping culture
tipping etiquette
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Word forms
- Plural
- tippings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ customs vary a lot between countries.
Etymology
Formed from tip and -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for tipping
dipping
ripping
nipping
sipping
yipping
shipping
whipping
slipping
dripping
clipping
gripping
flipping
See all rhymes for tipping →
Frequently asked questions
What does “tipping” mean?
The word “tipping” means the practice of giving a small sum of money to a service worker. In plain terms, the custom of giving gratuities, or the act of something tilting over.
How do you pronounce “tipping”?
“Tipping” is pronounced TIH-pihng (/ˈtɪpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tipping” in a sentence?
Here is “tipping” used in a sentence: “Tipping customs vary a lot between countries.”
What part of speech is “tipping”?
“Tipping” is a noun.
Is “tipping” a common word?
“Tipping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tipping” have?
“Tipping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the practice of giving a small sum of money to a service worker.
What is the difference between tipping and a gratuity?
Tipping and gratuity refer to the same practice of giving extra money to a service worker, but "gratuity" is the more formal term often used on printed bills or in written policies, while "tipping" is the everyday spoken term for the act itself.
Is tipping expected in the same way in every country?
No, tipping customs vary widely; it's a strong social expectation in some countries, particularly for restaurant service, while in others it's uncommon or even considered awkward. Anyone traveling should research local norms since what counts as generous or expected differs by culture.
What does tipping mean when it doesn't refer to money?
Tipping can also mean tilting or overturning something, as in "tipping a container" or a boat "tipping" over in the water. This sense is unrelated to gratuities and instead describes a shift in balance or position.
