SINCE 1828

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ballade

noun bal·lade \ bə-ˈläd , ba- \

Definition of ballade

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

Recent Examples of ballade from the Web

The four ballades are full of beautiful music, a point emphasized in Pierdomenico’s lyrical interpretations.

— olin chism, star-telegram.com, "Updated review: Cliburn semifinal round ends with lyrical grace, passion," 5 June 2017
The second of two great septuagenarian pianists passing through New York this week brings with him an all-Chopin program, featuring two sets of nocturnes, a couple of ballades, a scherzo, a berceuse and the third of the composer’s sonatas.

— david allen, New York Times, "Classical Music in NYC This Week," 18 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ballade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ballade

Middle English balade, from Middle French, ballad, ballade

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Learn More about ballade

See words that rhyme with ballade Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ballade

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