Word of the Day - 01/09/26
ballad
/'bæləd/(n.): a narrative poem of popular origin
Long before it was written down, the ballad survived through memory and recitation.
(n.): a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
The old ballad drifted through the tavern, its story unfolding a little more each time the chorus returned.
Word Origin
The word 'ballad' originates from Old French 'balade', meaning 'dancing song'. This in turn came from Provencal 'balada', meaning 'a dance' or 'dancing song', which itself is derived from Late Latin 'ballare', meaning 'to dance'.
Words with a similar origin include 'ballet', which comes from French 'ballet', a diminutive of 'bal' (dance), ultimately from Late Latin 'ballare'. 'Ball' (as in a dance party) also shares this root, coming from Old French 'bal'. 'Ballroom' and 'ballerina' are further related terms.