ballad

nounverbattested in dialogue

//ˈbæləd//
//ˈbælɪt//

A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

noun

1
A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander.
Of all varieties of poetry, the Ballad, in the form which it affects among us, in distinction to other countries, is, perhaps, one of the most attractive.
A wandering minstrel I — / A thing of shreds and patches, / Of ballads, songs and snatches, / And dreamy lullaby!
2
A slow romantic song.
On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers.
He was playing the guitar and singing a ballad to his girlfriend while she was playing the drums.

Etymology

From French ballade, from Old Occitan ballada (“poem for a dance”), from Late Latin ballare. Doublet of balada and ballade.

verb

1
obsoleteTo make mention of in ballads.
2
To compose or sing ballads.

Forms

plural: ballads
past tense: balladed
past participle: balladed
present participle: ballading
third person singular: ballads

Bali · A province of Indonesia, primarily made up of the island of…ball · A solid or hollow sphere, or roughly spherical mass.Ball · An English surname.

ballad · A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

Ballard · An English surname.ballerina · A ballet dancer (unisex term) A female ballet dancer.ballet · A classical form of dance.

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