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

Deli Boys breakout Asif Ali has been tapped to host the gala while indie band Chanpan will take the stage to perform. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

This model sounds good and sells well at galas and fundraisers. — Thomas J. Dart, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Jaws were on the floor when Diana stepped out at a Serpentine Gallery gala wearing a daring little black dress by designer Christina Stambolian. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 July 2026

Jaime King has addressed speculation swirling around her relationship with Taylor Swift after her absence from the pop star’s gala wedding to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 July 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