Tip Meaning

UK /tɪp/
US /tɪp/
Word Definition
tip meaning

Tip Definition & Usage

noun

A small amount of money given to someone for their service or work, often in addition to the regular charge or fee.

Examples

  • "He left a generous tip for the waiter after the meal."
  • "The bellboy smiled as he accepted a tip for helping with the luggage."
  • "Tipping the taxi driver is common practice in many countries."
  • "She always leaves a tip for the delivery driver when her groceries arrive."
  • "It's customary to leave a tip of 10% to 15% in restaurants."
noun

A small piece of useful information or advice, typically given informally or as a suggestion.

Examples

  • "My friend gave me a great tip on how to improve my writing."
  • "The coach gave the players a tip on how to improve their shooting technique."
  • "Do you have any tips for dealing with stress?"
  • "I got a tip from my colleague about a job opening at her company."
  • "The book offers several practical tips for starting a small business."
verb

To give a small amount of money as a reward for service.

Examples

  • "She tipped the waiter generously after the delicious meal."
  • "I tipped the valet for bringing my car so quickly."
  • "Make sure to tip the barista for making your coffee just right."
  • "He tipped the doorman when he helped him with his bags."
  • "It’s customary to tip the housekeeper at the end of a hotel stay."
verb

To tilt or cause to lean at an angle.

Examples

  • "She tipped the glass of water and spilled it everywhere."
  • "He tipped his hat in greeting as he passed by."
  • "The chair tipped backward when she leaned too far."
  • "The boat tipped dangerously to one side in the storm."
  • "Can you tip the vase slightly so I can see the flowers better?"

Cultural Context

Tipping as a cultural practice is particularly prominent in countries like the United States, where it is expected in many service industries, such as restaurants and hotels. In other countries, such as Japan, tipping may be considered rude or unnecessary. The practice has roots in early European customs, where servants or workers were given gratuities as a token of appreciation for their service.

The Tip that Changed Everything

Story

The Tip that Changed Everything

On a rainy afternoon in the small coastal town of Silverstone, Ella found herself sitting in the back of a taxi, staring out the window at the gray sea. She was on her way to an important job interview, and despite having prepared for weeks, she felt a knot in her stomach. Her phone buzzed with a message from her old friend, Sophie. It was a tip about the company she was about to interview with: 'They love creativity, but they're all about innovation. Don’t just be prepared to answer questions, offer ideas!' Ella smiled. That tip, though simple, felt like the last piece of the puzzle. She had been rehearsing her qualifications and experience for weeks, but the idea of offering fresh ideas had never crossed her mind. When the taxi pulled up in front of the company building, she tipped the driver generously, grateful for the calm ride and the chance to clear her mind. She walked into the building, feeling more confident than ever. The interview went better than she expected. She shared several innovative ideas that she believed could help the company grow, and by the end of the meeting, the interviewers were eager to hear more. As she left, she remembered the tip her friend had shared with her. It was the perfect advice at the perfect time. On her way out, she received another tip—this one from a fellow candidate who had been waiting outside. He noticed her nervousness and suggested she take a quick walk around the block to clear her mind before the interview. His tip was unexpected but valuable in calming her nerves. Later that week, Ella received an offer for the job. She realized that it wasn’t just her qualifications that had made the difference; it was the timely advice and the tips she received along the way that had truly helped her succeed.

The Tip that Changed Everything