gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈga-  ˈgä- 

1

: a festive celebration

especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion

2

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

gala adjective

Synonyms

• carnival
• celebration
• fest
• festival
• festivity
• fete
• fête
• fiesta
• jubilee

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

The opening night premiere kicks off with a gala that promises to be one of the city’s most extraordinary social events (details TBA in January). —Lori Capullo, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025

The Golden Globes gala last Friday honoring Viola Davis with the Cecil B. DeMille Award and Ted Danson with the Carol Burnett Award was a sublime occasion where both artists were lauded in style. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025

The gala underscored this spirit of uplift, with moments of laughter, tears, and genuine connection that felt more like an extended family reunion than a formal industry event. —Cherie Brooke Luo, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

The gala featured performances by Wonho, The Jets and 98 Degrees. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 1 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈgal-ə 

: a festive celebration

gala adjective