bards
|bard|
🇺🇸
/bɑrd/
🇬🇧
/bɑːd/
(bard)
poet
Etymology
'bard' originates from Old Irish and other Celtic languages, specifically the word 'bard' (Old Irish), where the root meant 'poet' or 'singer'.
'bard' came into Middle English from Old Irish and related Brythonic words (such as Old Welsh 'bard'), and it eventually became the modern English word 'bard'.
Initially, it meant 'a professional poet-singer in Celtic cultures', and over time it retained that sense while also coming to be used more broadly for celebrated poets or lyricists.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'bard': a poet, especially a professional poet-singer in ancient Celtic cultures; a minstrel who composes and recites epic or lyrical verse.
The bards sang of heroes and long-forgotten battles around the fire.
Synonyms
Noun 2
poets or celebrated writers collectively, sometimes used honorifically (as in references to Shakespeare as 'the Bard').
Many bards of the Renaissance are still read and performed today.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/15 12:02