Main Entry: bal·lad

Pronunciation: \ˈba-ləd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English balade ballade, song, from Middle French, from Old Occitan balada dance, song sung while dancing, from balar to dance, from Late Latin ballare

Date: 14th century

1 a : a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing b : an art song accompanying a traditional ballad
2 : a simple song : air
3 : a popular song; especially : a slow romantic or sentimental song

— bal·lad·ic \bə-ˈla-dik, ba-\ adjective