I. ˈgālə also ˈgalə sometimes ˈgälə or ˈgȧlə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian, from Middle French gale merrymaking, festivity, pleasure — more at gallant
1. archaic
a. : festive dress or decoration
b. : festivity , gaiety
2.
a. : a gay and lively celebration : a festive entertainment : festival , fair ; specifically : an entertainment or entertaining presentation constituting a special occasion
a grand gala at Symphony Hall marking the city's bicentennial
b. Britain : an athletic meet especially marking a special occasion
3. : a gay and lively group
a gala of actresses and society women with a flair for dress — British Book News
II. adjective
: belonging to, deserving, or attended by festivities : suitable for festivity
a gala dress
a gala day
a gala occasion
III.
Usage: usually capitalized
variant of galla