ballad

From French ballade, from Old Occitan ballada (“poem for a dance”), from Late Latin ballare.

• IPA^(key): /ˈbæləd/

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ballad (plural ballads)

1. A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

   The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander.

2. A slow romantic song.

   On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers.

• 1885, Gilbert & Sullivan, The Mikado

  A wandering minstrel I —

  A thing of shreds and patches,

  Of ballads, songs and snatches,

ballad (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.