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gala

gala

72 3.7
A large formal party with entertainment, often to raise money for charity
  • noun
  • /ˈɡeɪlə/
: 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.