# gratuity

/ɡɹəˈtuɪti/ (US) · /ɡɹætjˈuːɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gratuity
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

extra money you give someone for good service, like to a waiter in a restaurant. It is the formal word for a tip.

For teachers: an additional sum paid voluntarily to service staff in recognition of good service; a formal equivalent of 'tip'. Also extends to any gift or favour bestowed without obligation.

## Examples

- We leave a small gratuity for good service.
- The restaurant bill includes an 18% gratuity for tables of six or more.
- The cruise line adds a daily gratuity to each cabin account to cover housekeeping and dining staff.

## Synonyms

tip

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.