ballad

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noun bal·lad \ˈba-ləd\

: a slow popular song that is typically about love

: a kind of poem or song that tells a story (such as a story about a famous person from history)

Full 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

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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

Other Music Terms

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