gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈga-  ˈgä- 

1

: a festive celebration

especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion

2

capitalized : a medium-sized apple with crisp yellowish-white sweet flesh and a red skin or a golden skin with red striping

gala adjective

Synonyms

• carnival
• celebration
• fest
• festival
• festivity
• fete
• fête
• fiesta
• jubilee

Examples of gala in a Sentence

a grand gala celebrating the town's centennial

attended the gala celebrating the reopening of the museum

Recent Examples on the Web

Event chair Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced on Monday that Warren will be honored with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th gala, which will be held Oct. 5 at the Beverly Hilton. —Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 July 2024

The July 16 gala is at Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; then July 17 and 19 at the Studebaker Theatre, 410 S. Michigan Ave. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2024

Just pair it with heels for a summer gala or garden party, or throw it on with sandals for a baby shower or night out on the town. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024

At a gala to launch Sofia’s fragrance line, McCloskey’s character will share actual words written by Zeman’s real-life daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose. —Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, borrowed from Spanish, "elegance, pomp, occasion marked by display," borrowed from Middle French gale "festivity, pleasure" — more at gallant entry 1

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈgal-ə 

: a festive celebration

gala adjective