# ballad

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbæləd/ · frequency rank #16,640

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

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

## Easily confused with
- **balls** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-balls)
- **Bella** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-bella)
- **bally** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-bally)
- **ballot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-ballot)
- **ballet** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-ballet)
- **billed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-billed)
- **ballon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-ballon)
- **baller** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-baller)
- **balled** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-balled)
- **balsam** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-balsam)
- **Ballard** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-ballard)
- **ballast** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ballad-vs-ballast)
- **ball** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ball-vs-ballad)
- **bald** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bald-vs-ballad)
- **Bala** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bala-vs-ballad)
- **bailed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bailed-vs-ballad)
- **Balkan** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/balkan-vs-ballad)

## Common misspellings (7)
`abllad`, `balad`, `balald`, `balladd`, `ballda`, `bballad`, `blalad`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ballad