Pronunciation: [bˈɑːd] (IPA) 
The word "bard" is spelled with three letters: b, a, and d. Its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /bɑːd/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" sound in "bard" is pronounced as the "a" in "father" or "ma". The "r" sound is not pronounced in some dialects or accents, particularly in British English. A bard is a poet, singer or musician who composes and performs songs or verse.
Bard is a noun that refers to a poet, songwriter, or minstrel of ancient times, traditionally associated with Celtic and medieval cultures. Throughout history, bards were revered figures who entertained and educated societies through their creative expressions. They would often compose and recite epic poems, songs, and sagas, recounting tales of heroic figures, historical events, and legends, passing down their cultural heritage through oral tradition.
The term "bard" is often used to describe someone with exceptional literary or artistic skills, particularly in the context of writing and performing verse. Bards were known for their ability to captivate audiences with their eloquent storytelling and musical talents, combining words and melodies to evoke emotions and engage the imagination. Their artistry played a significant role in preserving and disseminating cultural myths, folklore, and historical narratives.
With the passage of time, the term "bard" has broadened its meaning to encompass any skilled poet or musician who possesses the power to move and inspire. It is now used to denote individuals who excel in crafting lyrical compositions, whether in the realms of poetry, songwriting, or other forms of artistic expression. The word "bard" carries connotations of creativity, poetic brilliance, and the ability to connect deeply with an audience, making it a term often associated with artistic mastery and creative genius.
One who sung his own poems among the ancient Celts; a poet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bard" originates from the Old Celtic language. It comes from the Proto-Celtic word "bardos", which means "poet" or "singer". In early Celtic societies, bards held an esteemed position as they were responsible for composing and reciting epic poems and songs, preserving history, and performing at important events. Over time, the term "bard" spread to other languages, including Old English, where it evolved to "beard" before taking its current form.
