Bard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bard

[bɑːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A poet and musician who performs songs and poetry in a professional setting, typically in a historical or medieval context.

Synonyms

jongleur, minstrel, troubadour.

Examples of usage

  • The bard entertained the crowd with his beautiful songs and captivating stories.
  • She was known as the bard of the village, weaving tales of love and adventure.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A lyric poet, especially one of the Celtic peoples who composed poems celebrating heroes and their deeds.

Synonyms

poet, rhymer, versifier.

Examples of usage

  • The bard recited an epic poem about the bravery of the ancient warriors.
  • In Celtic mythology, the bards played a crucial role in preserving the oral traditions of their people.
Context #3 | Noun

historical

In medieval Gaelic and British culture, a bard was a professional poet and storyteller, employed by a patron to commemorate one or more of the patron's ancestors and to praise the patron's own activities.

Synonyms

jongleur, minstrel, skald.

Examples of usage

  • The bard sang of the great deeds of the clan's ancestors, keeping their legacy alive through his verses.
  • As a bard in the royal court, he composed songs of praise for the king and his victories.

Translations

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Origin of 'bard'

The word 'bard' originated from the Old Celtic word 'bardos', meaning 'poet' or 'singer'. Bards played a significant role in ancient Celtic and British societies, preserving and transmitting oral traditions through their songs and poems. They were often employed by nobility to praise their lineage and deeds. The image of the bard as a lyrical storyteller and musician has persisted in literature and folklore, symbolizing creativity and cultural heritage.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,198, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.