gala

The word “gala” means a large, festive public celebration or event. In plain terms, a fancy celebration, or — separately — a type of sweet red apple.

“Gala” is pronounced GAH-luh (/ˈɡælə/ in IPA).

Here is “gala” used in a sentence: “The museum held a black-tie gala to raise funds.”

Depending on how it is used, “gala” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “gala” comes from Old French. From French gala, itself from Italian or Spanish gala meaning "festive occasion," ultimately traced back to an Old French word for rejoicing.

“Gala” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Gala” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, festive public celebration or event.

A gala is a large, festive public event, often formal and organized to celebrate an occasion or raise money for a cause, whereas a regular party is typically smaller and more casual. Galas often involve dress codes, ticketed entry, and structured programs.

A Gala apple is a crisp, red-skinned variety of eating apple, and the name refers specifically to the fruit rather than any celebratory sense of the word. Context makes clear whether gala refers to an event or the apple.

Yes, gala can function as an adjective meaning festive or celebratory, as in "a gala evening" or "a gala occasion," describing something marked by celebration.