What does tip mean?
Tip is a compact English word with several familiar and unrelated-looking meanings. As a noun, it most often denotes a gratuity given to someone for service, but it can also mean the pointed end of an object, a piece of useful advice, or the extreme edge of something, as in the tip of the iceberg. Expressions such as tip of the tongue and tip of your hat are established parts of everyday English. As a verb, tip can mean to tilt something, give a gratuity, inform someone, or give one person an advantage, as in tipping the scales. These meanings illustrate how ordinary words often develop specialized uses over time. Tip is especially useful because its several meanings are easy to distinguish in context, yet its brevity allows it to fit naturally into both formal explanations and informal conversation. In service industries, the word is practical and familiar, while phrases involving points and edges draw on its physical sense of a narrow extremity.
As a noun, tip denotes a gratuity for service, the pointed end of an object, a piece of advice, or the extreme edge of something.
"We left a small tip for the waiter, who recommended the seasonal dish."
The gratuity sense is especially common in service contexts. The advice sense is typically informal, while physical senses such as the tip of an iceberg are standard in both British and American English.
As a verb, tip means to tilt or overbalance, give a gratuity, inform someone, or give one party an advantage.
"Carefully tip the batter onto the plate without spilling it."
The informal phrase tip off means to provide advance information or warning. The expression tip the scales means to influence an outcome in someone's favor.
The standard plural is tips; in the gratuity sense, it commonly refers to the money received collectively.
"The restaurant advertised excellent food and generous tips."
From the point of an ice pick to a reward for good service, one tiny word can point, advise, and reward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How tip is actually used
Tip meaning advice is common in everyday speech and is usually informal. Tip meaning a gratuity is standard in restaurants, taxis, and other service contexts in both British and American English; tip off and tipping point are also widespread. The expression getting tipped for drunk is chiefly informal British English.
Easily confused with tip
A tip is a pointed end, a gratuity, or advice, whereas a tap is a faucet or a light knock.