gala

[ gey-luh, gal-uh; especially British gah-luh ]

adjective

1. festive; festal; showy:

   Her birthday parties were always gala occasions.

noun

1. a festive occasion; celebration; special entertainment:

   a gala featuring opera stars in their most famous scenes.

2. festal pomp or dress.

gala

/ ˈɡɑːlə; ˈɡeɪlə /

noun

1. 1. a celebration; festive occasion
   2. ( as modifier )

      a gala occasion

2. a sporting occasion involving competitions in several events

   a swimming gala

Word History and Origins

Origin of gala¹

1615–25; < French < Italian < Old French; gallant

Word History and Origins

Origin of gala¹

C17: from French or Italian, from Old French gale pleasure, from Old French galer to make merry, probably of Germanic origin; compare gallant

Example Sentences

Pre-match tensions were already in evidence after a pro-Israeli “gala” event was given the go-ahead for Wednesday evening in Paris, which the far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich was at one point expected to attend – although it was later thought his “presence” would be by video-link.

From BBC

The 18-time Latin Grammy winner and two-time Grammy winner will be honored at a gala leading up to the Thursday awards celebration.

From Los Angeles Times

With no board of directors to please or annual donor gala to host, it allows you to really focus on the patrons, McNicholl said.

From Los Angeles Times

One could argue that his evolution officially began in 2018, when he and Grimes made their debut as a couple on the Met Gala red carpet.

From Salon

Phil for Dudamel’s first gala.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• festive
• joyful