Gratuity meaning

grə-to͝o'ĭ-tē, -tyo͝o'-
The definition of gratuity is a sum of money given to someone who provides service or a favor as a way to show graciousness or thankfulness.

An example of gratuity is a tip left for a server at a restaurant.

noun
2
1
A favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service.
noun
0
1
A sum of money, often a percentage of the total billed, given to a server, porter, etc. for a service or favor; tip.
noun
0
1
(common usage) An additional charge placed for services rendered; see also: service fee.
noun
0
1
A reward, service, or payment provided freely, without obligation.
noun
0
2
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Origin of gratuity

  • French gratuité from Old French gratuite from Medieval Latin grātuītās probably from Latin grātuītus voluntary gratuitous
    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
  • From Old French gratuite (French gratuité), from Medieval Latin gratuitas (“a free gift”), from Latin gratuitus (“freely given, free”); see gratuitous.
    From Wiktionary

Gratuity Sentence Examples

  • He received a small gratuity for his service.

  • A small gratuity is expected by the porter, but he has no legal claim for payment, his maintenance being provided for out of the funds of the institution.

  • A third, in the absence of opponents, between two councils would simply solicit a special gratuity for his faithful services, well knowing that at that moment people would be too busy to refuse him.

  • But until 354 B.C. it had never been more than a gratuity, of which the payment depended on the treasury having a surplus.

  • But after ten years they may enter the "C" division, earn a special gratuity therein, and enjoy the various privileges accorded to the "B" or habitual criminals' division with the additional advantage that there is no interference with their remission.

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Words near gratuity in the Dictionary