Search Dictionary
Definition of gratuity

gratuity

/ɡrəˈtuː.ɪ.ti/
gra · tu · i · ty
Adverb:gratuitously
•
Plural:gratuities
•
Adjective:gratuitous
JUMP TO:

gratuity Lexical Profile

gratuity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small sum of money given voluntarily to someone in return for a service performed, in addition to the standard cost; a tip.

Example

"The restaurant automatically adds an eighteen percent gratuity to the bill for parties of six or more."

2

British A lump sum of money paid to an employee or member of the armed forces upon retirement or at the end of a period of service.

Example

"Upon completing her twenty-year service in the navy, she received a tax-free gratuity alongside her regular pension."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gratuity

• Rhymes for gratuity

• Nearby Words

gratitude
gratuitously
gratuitousness
gratuity
grave
gravedigger
gravel

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French gratuité or Medieval Latin gratuitas ('a free gift'), derived from Latin gratuitus ('done without pay, spontaneous, free'), from gratus ('pleasing, thankful').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gratuity. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gratuity
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.