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

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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• bonus 
• fringe benefit 
• perk