Definition of "ballad"

ballad

/ˈbæləd/

noun
plural ballads
1. A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
  Quotations
  Of all varieties of poetry, the Ballad, in the form which it affects among us, in distinction to other countries, is, perhaps, one of the most attractive.
  1882, John Ashton, “Origin of Ballads”, in John Skelton, A Ballade of the Scottysshe Kynge. […], London: Elliot Stock, […], page 1
  A wandering minstrel I — / A thing of shreds and patches, / Of ballads, songs and snatches, / And dreamy lullaby!
  1885, Gilbert and Sullivan, The Mikado, act 1
2. A slow romantic song.
verb
third-person singular simple present ballads, present participle ballading, simple past and past participle balladed
1. (obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.
2. (intransitive) To compose or sing ballads.