Definition

A narrative poem or song that tells a story, typically of love, tragedy, or adventure, often set to music and traditionally passed down orally. Ballads typically feature a regular rhyme scheme and meter, making them easy to remember and sing.

Example Usage

The folk singer performed an old Scottish ballad about a doomed love affair.

Origin

From Old French 'balade,' derived from Provençal 'ballada' meaning 'a dancing song,' related to 'ball' (to dance).

Fun Fact

Medieval ballads were often the tabloid news of their time, spreading stories of murders, scandals, and disasters through towns before newspapers existed.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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