gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə How to pronounce gala (audio) ˈga- How to pronounce gala (audio) ˈgä- How to pronounce gala (audio)
Synonyms of gala
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

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Examples of gala in a Sentence

a grand gala celebrating the town's centennial attended the gala celebrating the reopening of the museum
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gala also featured musical performances by Obasi Jackson, Pop Smoke’s brother, reggae artist Suckarie, and vocalist Carlton Terrance Taylor. — Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The New Girl cast will receive the Rising Phoenix Award at the Los Angeles gala, put on in support of Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis, which helps individuals navigate obstacles on their path to meaningful employment. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 Those attending the gala will also have the chance to bid on private vineyard visits, rare bottles, and exclusive tastings via the Golden Vines Charity Auction. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026 Carr, who also voted in favor of the Paramount-Skydance merger last year, sat with his wife in a private skybox at the December gala with Paramount CEO David Ellison and other executives from Paramount and CBS. — Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gala

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gala was in 1777

Rhymes for gala

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Browse Nearby Words

Gal
gala
galabia
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Cite this Entry

“Gala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gala. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gala

noun
ga·​la ˈgā-lə How to pronounce gala (audio) ˈgal-ə How to pronounce gala (audio)
: a festive celebration
gala adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gala

Nglish: Translation of gala for Spanish Speakers

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