Ballad

/ˈbæl.əd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A narrative poem, often of folk origin, that is composed in short stanzas and tells a story, typically a dramatic one.

The old ballad recounts the tragic love story of two star-crossed lovers.

A slow or sentimental song with a simple melody, often expressing a deep emotion.

She sang a beautiful ballad that brought tears to everyone's eyes.

A form of verse that is usually a narrative set to music.

The band performed a haunting ballad that lingered in the hearts of the audience.

From Middle English 'balade', from Old French 'ballade' meaning a dance song.

love ballad

A ballad that expresses romantic themes or feelings.

narrative ballad

A ballad that tells a story, often with a moral.

folk ballad

A traditional ballad from oral tradition.

lyric

A poem that expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typically in a musical context.

elegy

A mournful poem or song, especially one lamenting the dead.

ode

A type of lyrical stanza that expresses emotion and is often addressed to a person or thing.

A heartfelt or emotional song.

That track is such a ballad, it really hits you in the feels.

An old-fashioned or classic song.

I love that old ballad from the 90s!