ballads
|bal-lads|
/ˈbæləd/
(ballad)
narrative song
Etymology
'ballad' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'ballade', from Provençal 'balada' meaning 'a dancing song' and from Late Latin 'ballare' meaning 'to dance'.
'ballad' changed from Old French 'ballade' and Provençal 'balada' into Middle English 'ballad', eventually becoming the modern English word 'ballad'.
Initially it meant 'a dancing song', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a narrative song or poem' and (in popular music) 'a sentimental slow song'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'ballad': a traditional or folk song or poem that tells a story, often passed down orally.
She collected ballads from the older members of the village.
Synonyms
Noun 2
popular-music sense: sentimental or slow love songs (plural).
The album includes several romantic ballads that became hits.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/06 03:07