a celebration; festive occasion (as modifier): a gala occasion a sporting occasion involving competitions in several events: a swimming gala
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
ga•la /ˈgeɪlə, ˈgælə/USA pronunciation
adj. [usually: before a noun]
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- marking or proper for a special occasion;
festive;
showy:a gala affair.
n. [countable]
- a celebration, often with entertainment:a gala held at the concert hall.
ga•la
(gā′lə, gal′ə; esp. Brit. gä′lə),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
- festive;
festal;
showy:Her birthday parties were always gala occasions.
n.
- a festive occasion;
celebration;
special entertainment:a gala featuring opera stars in their most famous scenes. - festal pomp or dress.
- Old French; see gallant
- Italian
- French
- 1615–25
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'gala' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):