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gala

gala

72 3.7
A large formal party with entertainment, often to raise money for charity
  • noun
  • /ˈɡeɪlə/
translation icon : gala
  • The place is packed, this big gala, and she's center stage at the Anaheim Grove.
  • host a gala
  • a gala reception
  • a gala luncheon

I'm not much for ceremonies or galas or anything like that.

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Examples

  • Hey, so it was the Met Gala last night in New York City.

  • The date of your birth, a national holiday, would seem to ensure a gala celebration.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Oh wow, a gala opening of a new artist

  • So I'll see you at the gala tomorrow then, okay?

  • So, let's get this gala started.

  • This is the King-Tech gala, the most important event of the year.

  • We still need volunteers for the homecoming gala.

  • The awards gala, which has since become an annual fixture on Toronto's social calendar,

    Academic text (2010)
  • Peaches is the, like, guest of honor at the Southampton Animal Shelter gala in a few weeks.

  • The charity organization held a grand gala to raise funds for local schools.

Synonyms

party
vsgala
1.0

An event where people meet to celebrate, eat, and have fun

is usually larger and more elaborate with entertainment and a purpose
festival
vsgala
178 1.0

An event with many shows like music or theatre

is usually a single large celebratory occasion rather than multiple acts
feast
vsgala
162 1.9

A large special meal with many foods for a celebration

is broader and may emphasize entertainment or purpose beyond eating
banquet
vsgala
  • Formal
114 3.9

A large formal meal for many people to celebrate a special event

is broader, including parties and performances not just meals
function
vsgala
  • Formal
74 4.2

A formal social event such as a party or ceremony

is used for celebratory parties with entertainment and special purpose
blowout
vsgala
  • Informal
17 4.4

A large, lively party to celebrate something

is more formal and often planned for a special cause or purpose
jamboree
vsgala
14 5.7

A large lively party with music and games

is usually more formal and may have a special purpose or charity focus
spectacular
vsgala
6 5.2

A large, impressive show with bright effects and fancy scenes

is an event centered on celebration and social purpose rather than only a show
grand affair
vsgala
1 4.4

A large important event with ceremony and celebration

is used more for festive entertainment rather than solemn ceremony
gala affair
vsgala
  • Formal
1 6.0

A fancy formal party with entertainment to celebrate or raise money

is the shorter common term for the same formal celebration
gaudy
vsgala
  • UK
9.9

A celebration meal at a college for past students

is more general and applies to many public celebrations outside schools

Compounds

gala affair
  • Formal
1 6.0

A fancy formal party with entertainment to celebrate or raise money

How Formal

ball
253 2.6
to banquet
  • Formal
1 4.5
gala
72 3.7
celebration
430 1.0
party
1.0
get-together
  • Informal
46 1.9

Surface Forms

gala singular
galas plural

Etymology

Gala comes from French gala, where it meant a 'show' or 'party'. A helpful way to remember it is that it may be linked to an old word for 'singing', so a gala is a large, festive event with music and celebration.