gratuity

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

noun

, plural gra·tu·i·ties.

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

She cashed the $492 death gratuity and moved to San Bernardino, soon joined by her oldest daughter, Mildred.

From Los Angeles Times

Adult admission: $230.37, including gratuity.

From Los Angeles Times

So a gratuity is money that’s given after an official act has been done by a public official.

From Slate

Republicans on the Supreme Court declared in Snyder that bribing an elected official isn’t bribery if it’s paid to the official after the fact, because then it’s really more of a “gratuity.”

From Salon

Adult admission: $230.37, including gratuity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bonus
• fringe benefit
• perk