gratuity

[gruh-too-i-tee, -tyoo-]

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.

gratuity

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratuity¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on MarketWatch

Wiederhorn is banned from possessing firearms after he pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges of paying an illegal gratuity to his associate and filing a false tax return.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Wiederhorn ultimately pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges of paying an illegal gratuity to his associate and filing a false tax return.

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

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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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bonus 
• fringe benefit 
• perk