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
Examples of ballad in a Sentence
a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness
Recent Examples on the Web
The pop ballad, which helped kick off his own career years ago, is back in a huge way.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But the emotional disconnect is impossible to overcome in a show that's almost entirely sentimental ballads.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
That’s where Joe Jonas pops in with a motivational ballad, urging the NYC line dropout to trust the process.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2025
The ballad reminds us so much of Sade and Cleo Sol— a soothing melody with an honest story that penetrates one’s soul.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But the emotional disconnect is impossible to overcome in a show that's almost entirely sentimental ballads.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
That’s where Joe Jonas pops in with a motivational ballad, urging the NYC line dropout to trust the process.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2025
The ballad reminds us so much of Sade and Cleo Sol— a soothing melody with an honest story that penetrates one’s soul.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Cite this Entry
“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballad. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ballad
noun
bal·lad
ˈbal-əd 
1
: a poem that tells a story of adventure, of romance, or of a hero, that is suitable for singing, and that usually has stanzas of four lines with a rhyme on the second and fourth lines
2
: a simple song
3
: a usually slow or sentimental popular song
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share