ballad
noun
bal·lad ˈba-ləd 
1
a
: a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing
a ballad about King Arthur
b
: an art song accompanying a traditional ballad
2
: a simple song : air
3
: a popular song
especially : a slow romantic or sentimental song
a ballad they danced to at their wedding reception
balladic
bə-ˈla-dik
adjective ba-
Synonyms
- ditty
- jingle
- lay
- lyric
- song
- vocal
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a ballad about King Arthur a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness
Recent Examples on the Web The collaboration of his dreams is presented in this ballad with flamenco flairs and classical instrumentation. 
Billboard Staff, Billboard, 6 Sep. 2022 Written by her fave collaborator and fellow Australian John Farrar, this deceptively simple ballad cemented Newton-John's turn away from country and toward soft rock, hitting number one in March of '75. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2022 This soulful ballad was a Top 10 hit in 1965 for Little Anthony and the Imperials. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 11 July 2022 For fans of powerful, confessional tracks, this slow ballad from gay singer Sam Smith follows a man coming out and professing that sexuality should be accepted, period. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 7 June 2022 So many Disney-worthy themes are nestled in this shiny ballad: the emergence of the shy girl and living in the moment among the most literal. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 22 May 2022 The ballad, quite possibly her finest song, won best song written specifically for a motion picture or for television. Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 July 2022 For the stage musical, the creative team decided to close the first act with the ballad. Christopher Wallenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Aug. 2022 His bitter ballad opposes the political submissiveness that has since led to Covid-era passivity (replacing panic over terrorist bombings). Armond White, National Review, 20 July 2022 See More
Billboard Staff, Billboard, 6 Sep. 2022 Written by her fave collaborator and fellow Australian John Farrar, this deceptively simple ballad cemented Newton-John's turn away from country and toward soft rock, hitting number one in March of '75. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2022 This soulful ballad was a Top 10 hit in 1965 for Little Anthony and the Imperials. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 11 July 2022 For fans of powerful, confessional tracks, this slow ballad from gay singer Sam Smith follows a man coming out and professing that sexuality should be accepted, period. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 7 June 2022 So many Disney-worthy themes are nestled in this shiny ballad: the emergence of the shy girl and living in the moment among the most literal. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 22 May 2022 The ballad, quite possibly her finest song, won best song written specifically for a motion picture or for television. Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 July 2022 For the stage musical, the creative team decided to close the first act with the ballad. Christopher Wallenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Aug. 2022 His bitter ballad opposes the political submissiveness that has since led to Covid-era passivity (replacing panic over terrorist bombings). Armond White, National Review, 20 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English balade ballade, song, from Middle French, from Old Occitan balada dance, song sung while dancing, from balar to dance, from Late Latin ballare
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing ballad
Kids Definition
ballad
noun
bal·lad ˈba-ləd
1
: a short poem suitable for singing that tells a story in simple language
2
: a simple song
3
: a slow usually romantic song
ballad
noun
as in song
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- song
- lyric
- hymn
- anthem
- vocal
- lullaby
- ditty
- jingle
- carol
- chorus
- cantata
- medley
- chorale
- dirge
- psalm
- lay
- serenade
- aria
- blues
- paean
- requiem
- spiritual
- madrigal
- threnody
- rocker
- chantey
- pop
- croon
- noel
- roundelay
- chant
- chanson
- chanty
- canticle
- shanty
- lament
- motet
- hallelujah
- folk song
- remix
- art song
- descant
- barcarolle
- glee
- round
- fight song
- standard
- drinking song
- torch song
- barcarole
- part-song
- discant
- cover