ballad
Ballad (noun) means a simple narrative song or poem, often telling a romantic or dramatic story, typically slow and sentimental. Example: “The band closed the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.”
How to use ballad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slow, emotional song or poem that tells a story.
Word forms
balladed past tense, ballads plural, ballads singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The band closed the concert with a heartfelt _____ about lost love.
Etymology
From Old French ballade, originally meaning "a poem meant for dancing," from Late Latin ballare, "to dance."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ballad” mean?
The word “ballad” means a simple narrative song or poem, often telling a romantic or dramatic story, typically slow and sentimental. In plain terms, a slow, emotional song or poem that tells a story.
How do you pronounce “ballad”?
“Ballad” is pronounced BA-luhd (/ˈbæləd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ballad” in a sentence?
Here is “ballad” used in a sentence: “The band closed the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.”
What part of speech is “ballad”?
“Ballad” is a noun.
Where does the word “ballad” come from?
The word “ballad” comes from Late Latin. From Old French ballade, originally meaning "a poem meant for dancing," from Late Latin ballare, "to dance.".
Is “ballad” a common word?
“Ballad” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.