gala

noun

ˈgā-lə How to pronounce gala (audio)
Definition of galanext
as in celebration
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something attended the gala celebrating the reopening of the museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gala The gala is set to take place on Saturday, October 17, with Steven Spielberg, Robert Rodriguez, and Kate Capshaw serving as the event’s co-chairs. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended a gala event in Canada on August 7. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026 Most American private schools still raise money the old-fashioned way—silent auctions, annual giving, and a yearly gala with mixed drinks and canapés. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 The appearance appears to mark the first time Winfrey and Graham have been publicly photographed together since the Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala in Atlanta in October 2019. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gala
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gala
  1. celebration
  2. festival
  3. festivity
Noun
  • The finish was calm, and came after good pressing from himself and Viktor Gyokeres, but the celebration that followed was what mattered.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Official celebrations were set to continue Friday with flag-raising ceremonies and other events.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of celebration
Noun
  • The period, which usually falls between July and August, is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers and colorful monsoon festivals across India.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Full of music, dance, and vibrant colors, thousands of people gathered to attend the annual Boston Dominican parade and festival on Sunday afternoon.
    — Paul Burton, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of festival
Noun
  • Then take your pick from ice cream shops and spend some time enjoying the festivities including frequent live music, carnival style games, and even a zipline.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The festivities continued as the brides and a dozen friends went on a buddymoon through the French Riviera.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of festivity

Browse Nearby Words

gal
gala
galactic
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Cite this Entry

“Gala.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gala. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gala

Nglish: Translation of gala for Spanish Speakers

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