Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gala \Ga"la\, n. [F. gala show, pomp, fr. It. gala finery, gala;
   of German origin. See {Gallant}.]
   Pomp, show, or festivity. --Macaulay.

   {Gala day}, a day of mirth and festivity; a holiday.

Source : WordNet®

gala
     adj : offering fun and gaiety; "a gala ball after the
           inauguration"; "a festive (or festal) occasion"; "gay
           and exciting night life"; "a merry evening" [syn: {gala(a)},
            {gay}, {festal}, {festive}, {merry}]

gala
     n : a gay festivity [syn: {gala affair}, {jamboree}, {blowout}]