gratuity

American  

[gruh-too-i-tee, -tyoo-] / grəˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtyu- /

noun

plural

gratuities

1. a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip.

2. something given without claim or demand.

3. British.

   1. a bonus granted to war veterans by the government.

   2. a bonus given military personnel on discharge or retirement.

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gratuity British  

/ ɡrəˈtjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. a gift or reward, usually of money, for services rendered; tip

2. something given without claim or obligation

3. military a financial award granted for long or meritorious service

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Etymology

Origin of gratuity

1515–25; < Middle French gratuite, equivalent to Latin grātuī ( tus ) free + Middle French -te -ty ²

Example Sentences

Forgoing a proper tip means you’re taking advantage of the people serving you, who rely on gratuities as their primary source of income.

From The Wall Street Journal

The status quo may prevail, tip screens and all, but consumers may begin to decide whether they really want to tip 30% or if they will just skip the gratuity altogether, experts say.

From MarketWatch

Ridley-Thomas’ lawyers had already accused prosecutors of conflating bribery and gratuities.

From Los Angeles Times

Tipping in the United States has roots in the post-Civil War era, when wealthy Americans traveling to Europe returned with the habit of giving gratuities to workers in service positions.

From Salon

The debate is not restricted to restaurants - gratuities can be offered to many workers including hairdressers, taxi drivers and hotel porters.

From BBC

Related Words

• bonus
• fringe benefit
• perk