Meanings
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1
noun
a special public celebration or entertainment, often held for a formal or charitable purpose
The museum raised funds at its annual gala.
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2
noun
a sports competition, especially a swimming event in British English
The school entered three teams in the regional swimming gala.
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3
adj
festive, formal, or intended for a special celebration
The guests arrived in gala dress for the evening performance.
Thesaurus
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festivity
Etymology
Borrowed through French gala ("festive occasion"), probably from Italian gala and related to Old French gale ("merriment, rejoicing"). Its deeper Germanic origin is uncertain.