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

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

Not long after Trump called for an end to taxes on tips, Vice President Kamala Harris also said she would end tips on gratuities.

From Los Angeles Times

Excluding tips from federal income tax might simplify employer paperwork and erase the difference between easily tracked credit card charges and cash gratuities, which often go unreported.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• bonus
• fringe benefit
• perk