gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈga-  ˈgä- 

1

: a festive celebration

especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion

2

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

gala adjective

Synonyms of gala

• celebration
• festival
• festivity

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

Tickets range from $30 for cross-country skiing to nearly $1,400 for the figure skating exhibition gala. —Rachel Gold, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026

The gala, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, helps fund counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter for individuals and families who are survivors of domestic violence. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

From galas to film festivals and award shows, the couple has solidified their spot time and time again as one of the most gorgeous couples in Hollywood. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026

The Heat’s celebration of its first NBA title began at Monday night’s gala, with players from the 2006 team attending the event. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for gala

• calla
• palla
• salah
• valla
• valhalla
• walhalla

Kids Definition

gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈgal-ə 

: a festive celebration

gala adjective