1
: the composing or performing of ballads
2

Examples of balladry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Our balladry is one of our strongest suits. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026 That’s because the musical path D’Angelo was headed on was light-years away from bawdy lover-boy balladry. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2025 The less uptempo tracks sport a continuation of her penchant for acoustic balladry. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 June 2026 An abundance of diligent textures and delicate balladry, a shortage of let-it-all-hang-out looseness and fiery intensity. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for balladry

Word History

Etymology

ballad + -ry

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balladry was in 1596

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balladry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balladry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!