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

Vangsness, who made her debut at the gala this year, also tells PEOPLE about the importance of supporting 24 Hour Plays. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025

The Social Service League of La Jolla, which owns and operates the League House, which provides housing for area senior citizens who can’t otherwise afford housing after retirement, celebrates its 70th anniversary with a gala at La Jolla’s Darlington House. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025

From the Pittsburgh Steelers fashion show to the gala celebrating the new airport terminal, the tiny dog is seemingly always in Manganiello's arms. —Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

The East Wing’s demolition cleared way for the site of the new ballroom, which is set to host state dinners, galas and other events. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2025

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