ballad

noun

bal·​lad ˈba-ləd 

1

a

: a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing

a ballad about King Arthur

b

: an art song accompanying a traditional ballad

2

: a simple song : air

3

: a popular song

especially : a slow romantic or sentimental song

a ballad they danced to at their wedding reception

balladic

bə-ˈla-dik 

ba-

adjective

Synonyms

• ditty
• jingle
• lay
• lyric
• song
• vocal

Examples of ballad in a Sentence

a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness

Recent Examples on the Web

By the end, we’re also given a typically emotive Diana Warren ballad, sung by H.E.R. The performances, too, couldn’t be better. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Dan’s heartfelt take on the 2005 ballad was a showcase of vulnerability and raw talent. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024

After its June 2023 release, the soaring breakup ballad finally reached the top of the singles chart in March, its slow build contributing to the song’s pervasive presence on the airwaves — and to Swims landing his first Grammy nomination for best new artist. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024

And a reprise of a ballad about happy days, first played as a falsehood only to be refashioned as a genuine statement of rebirth, suggests inspiration momentarily winning over perspiration. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English balad, balade, ballade, balett "poem or song in stanza form, poem or stanza in rhyme royal or a similar form," borrowed from Middle French balade, going back to Old French barade, balade "song to be danced to, short poem to be sung," borrowed from Old Occitan ballada, from ballar "to dance" (going back to Late Latin ballāre) + -ada -ade — more at ball entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing ballad

• ballad stanza

Kids Definition

ballad

noun

bal·​lad ˈbal-əd 

1

: a poem that tells a story of adventure, of romance, or of a hero, that is suitable for singing, and that usually has stanzas of four lines with a rhyme on the second and fourth lines

2

: a simple song

3

: a usually slow or sentimental popular song