Definition of Ballad

1. Noun. A narrative song with a recurrent refrain.

Exact synonyms: Lay
Generic synonyms: Song, Vocal
Specialized synonyms: Minstrelsy
Derivative terms: Balladeer

2. Noun. A narrative poem of popular origin.
Exact synonyms: Lay
Generic synonyms: Poem, Verse Form
Specialized synonyms: Edda
Derivative terms: Balladeer

Definition of Ballad

1. n. A popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; as, the ballad of Chevy Chase; esp., a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

2. v. i. To make or sing ballads.

3. v. t. To make mention of in ballads.

Definition of Ballad

1. Noun. A long song or poem that tells a story. ¹

2. Noun. A slow romantic pop song. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Ballad

1. a narrative poem or song [n -S] : BALLADIC [adj]

Medical Definition of Ballad

1. A popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; as, the ballad of Chevy Chase; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas. Origin: OE. Balade, OF. Balade, F. Ballade, fr. Pr. Ballada a dancing song, fr. Ballare to dance; cf. It. Ballata. See Ball, and Ballet. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Ballad

ball player
ball players
ball return
ball returns
ball sacks
ball thrombus
ball up
ball valve
ball valve action
ball variance
ball washer
ball washers
balla
ballache
ballad (current term)
ballad maker
ballad opera
ballad operas
ballade
balladed
balladeer
balladeered
balladeering
balladeers
ballader
balladers
ballades
balladic
balladin

Literary usage of Ballad

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Works of the English Poets, from Chaucer to Cowper: Including the Series by Alexander Chalmers, Samuel Johnson (1810)
"399 A ballad in the Praise and Commendation of Master Gentry Chaucer, ... A ballad which Chaucer made against Women Unconstant ib, Chaucer's Words unto his ..."

2. Publications by Folklore Society (Great Britain) (1908)
"‘Except, of course, variants of Child's texts, which are discovered from time to time both in print and in tradition. ‘Prof. FB Gummere, The Popular ballad ..."

3. The Cambridge History of English Literature by Adolphus William Ward, Alfred Rayney Waller (1908)
"A pretty little ballad from Shetland narrates in quite choral, dramatic form ... Bugge has traced the same story from a Danish ballad far back into medieval ..."

4. Reliques of Ancient English Poetry by Thomas Percy (1887)
"The reader has here the more improved edition of that fine heroic ballad. It will afford an agreeable entertainment to the curious to compare them together, ..."

5. Publications by Shakespeare Society (Great Britain) (1844)
"Steevens, in a note, informs us that " My heart is full of woe" is the burden of a ballad called " A pleasant new ballad of two Lovers ;" but he quotes no ..."

6. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1862)
"[This ballad in the copy that has come down to us has no imprint, and no name of Andrew White as the publisher. \Ve apprehend, from the appearance of the ..."

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