ballad

bal·lad

noun \ˈba-ləd\

Definition of BALLAD

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

Examples of BALLAD

1. a ballad about King Arthur
2. <a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness>

Origin of BALLAD

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BALLAD

Synonyms: song, ditty, jingle, lay, lyric, vocal

Related Words: anthem, cantata, canticle, carol, chorale, hymn, noel, psalm, spiritual; dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; hallelujah, paean; aria, art song, barcarole (or barcarolle), blues, chanson, chant, chantey (or chanty or shanty), chorus, croon, descant (also discant), folk song, glee, lullaby, madrigal, motet, part-song, pop, rocker, round, roundelay, serenade, standard; drinking song, fight song; torch song; cover, medley, remix

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue