gala

[gey-luh, gal-uh, gah-luh]

adjective

1. festive; festal; showy.

   Her birthday parties were always gala occasions.

noun

1. a festive occasion; celebration; special entertainment.

   a gala featuring opera stars in their most famous scenes.

2. festal pomp or dress.

gala

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gala¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gala¹

C17: from French or Italian, from Old French gale pleasure, from Old French galer to make merry, probably of Germanic origin; compare _gallant

Example Sentences

Starting at 6 p.m., a paid fashion gala will begin, with tickets sold here.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair first struck up a connection more than 20 years ago, meeting at the G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles— with an assist from Aussie star Geoffrey Rush.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have a secret hat I use sometimes, it says, ‘Make your smile great again,’” she said at the gala.

From Los Angeles Times

The gala tonight is dedicated to raising funds for Altadena, long a cherished neighborhood for Black musicians.

From Los Angeles Times

Only three Grand Slam galas - the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open - have been worth attending.

From BBC

Related Words

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