Ballad
/ˈbæl.əd/noun
A song or poem that tells a story, especially one meant to be sung or recited.
Did you know?Ballad comes through Old French from a root related to dancing, and its history is a reminder that songs once moved people physically before they moved them emotionally.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
LL
ballare
“to dance”
Old Provençal
OC
balada
“a dance song”
Old French
OF
ballade
“a song to dance to; a lyrical poem”
Middle English
ME
balade
“a song or poem, often for singing or dancing”
Modern English
EN
ballad
“a narrative song or poem”