Main Entry: bal·lade

Pronunciation: \bə-ˈläd, ba-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English balade, from Middle French, ballad, ballade

Date: 14th century

1 : a fixed verse form consisting usually of three stanzas with recurrent rhymes, an envoi, and an identical refrain for each part
2 : a musical composition usually for piano suggesting the epic ballad