ballad

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbæləd/
• (Appalachians, obsolete) IPA^(key): /ˈbælɪt/^[1]

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

ballad (plural ballads)

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.

   • 1882, John Ashton, “Origin of Ballads”, in John Skelton, A Ballade of the Scottysshe Kynge. […], London: Elliot Stock, […], →OCLC, page 1:

     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.

   • 1885, Gilbert and Sullivan, The Mikado, act 1:

     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.

Verb

ballad (third-person singular simple present ballads, present participle ballading, simple past and past participle balladed)

1. (obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.
2. (intransitive) To compose or sing ballads.

References