/ ˈgɑːlə; NAmE ˈgeɪlə/ noun
1.
a special public celebration or entertainment :
a charity gala
a gala dinner / night
2.
( BrE ) a sports competition, especially in swimming :
a swimming gala
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (in the sense showy dress ): via Italian and Spanish from Old French gale rejoicing.