ballad
/ˈbæləd/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.42 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
Example Sentences
- "The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander."
- "Of all varieties of poetry, the Ballad, in the form which it affects among us, in distinction to other countries, is, perhaps, one of the most attractive."
- "A wandering minstrel I — / A thing of shreds and patches, / Of ballads, songs and snatches, / And dreamy lullaby!"
- "On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers."
- "He was playing the guitar and singing a ballad to his girlfriend while she was playing the drums."
Etymology
From French ballade, from Old Occitan ballada (“poem for a dance”), from Late Latin ballare. Doublet of balada and ballade.
Origin
- Source language: French