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.
Most notably, there’s a stash of pre-debut songs that show how broad his stylistic range was from the beginning, foreshadowing his later adventures in roots, country and pre-rock balladry. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 The less uptempo tracks sport a continuation of her penchant for acoustic balladry. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 June 2026 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 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 1 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster