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

Related Words

• festive
• joyful