gala

American  

[gey-luh, gal-uh, gah-luh] / ˈgeɪ lə, ˈgæl ə, ˈgɑ lə /

adjective

1. festive; festal; showy.

   Her birthday parties were always gala occasions.

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noun

1. a festive occasion; celebration; special entertainment.

   a gala featuring opera stars in their most famous scenes.

2. festal pomp or dress.

gala British  

/ ˈɡɑːlə, ˈɡeɪlə /

noun

1. 1. a celebration; festive occasion

   2. ( as modifier )

      a gala occasion

2. a sporting occasion involving competitions in several events

   a swimming gala

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Etymology

Origin of gala

1615–25; < French < Italian < Old French; gallant

Example Sentences

By the end, he was holding his head high at Liu’s gold medal romp, and uncorking his back flip in the Games-ending gala.

From The Wall Street Journal

The gala, organized by SAG-AFTRA -- the largest actors' union in the United States and one of the most influential in the world with over 160,000 members -- honors the best in film and television.

From Barron's

The gala included Olympic figure skating medallists and invited skaters including former Italian Olympic medallist Carolina Kostner.

From Barron's

Since 2018, he has been organizing this gala for these often overlooked entertainment industry workers in Los Angeles.

From Barron's

The two-time world champion also teased that something was "coming February 21", which is the day of the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bash
• celebration
• dance
• festivity
• fiesta
• function
• jamboree
• pageant
• prom
• shindig