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to host a gala

to host a gala

1 5.3
Plan and lead a formal party to raise money or celebrate something
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : organizar una gala
  • The board is hosting a gala preview here tomorrow night.
  • host a gala dinner

Examples

  • I'm hosting a gala there.

  • So, intel reports that Ludendorff is hosting a gala.

  • I'll be hosting a gala tonight here in New York to formally announce Concordia, and tomorrow, a renaissance begins across the entire planet.

  • Local legend holds that on June 5, 1862, the night before the Yankees took Memphis, some prominent business and military men hosted a gala ball at the Gayoso.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The nonprofit organization plans to host a gala next month to raise funds for local charities.

  • Every spring, the university hosts a gala to celebrate its alumni and their achievements.

  • During the holiday season, many charities host galas to gather donations and support their causes.

Synonyms

to throw
vsto host a gala
  • Informal
462 3.8

To organize a party or small social event for people

is more formal and involves presiding, not just arranging a casual gathering
to throw a party
vsto host a gala
318 1.8

Plan and have a party for people to enjoy

is more formal and often aims to raise money rather than casual fun
to host the event
vsto host a gala
15 3.5

To organize an event and take care of its details

presides formally and often leads gatherings for fundraising rather than just handling logistics
to cohost
vsto host a gala
1 4.1

To present a show or event together with another person

acts as the main leader rather than sharing leadership with others

How Formal

ball
253 2.6
to banquet
  • Formal
1 4.5
to host a gala
1 5.3
get-together
  • Informal
46 1.9

Surface Forms

host a gala infinitive
hosted a gala past participle
hosting a gala present participle
hosts a gala third person singular

Morphology

host + a + gala

The meaning is directly compositional: 'host' (to organize/entertain) combined with 'gala' (a formal celebratory event) yields 'organize/preside over a gala'; the indefinite article 'a' does not affect semantics. This verb + noun combination follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Host a gala paints a picture of the host standing at the door, greeting guests and arranging music, food and speeches for a big celebration, the gala. So, host a gala means 'to organize and lead a formal event'.