noun
alba
AL-buh
noun
1
A traditional form of lyric poetry, often Provençal in origin, describing lovers parting at daybreak.
"Medieval troubadours composed albas about secret lovers forced apart at dawn."
name
1
A poetic or historic name for Scotland, especially the early medieval Kingdom of Alba.
"Alba is still used as a Gaelic name for Scotland today."
2
A female given name derived from the Spanish word for "dawn."
"Alba has become a popular given name in Spanish-speaking countries in recent decades."
How to Use Alba
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context: a dawn-themed poem form, an old name for Scotland, or a modern Spanish female name.
Word Forms
albas plural, albas plural, albas plural
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Medieval troubadours composed _____ about secret lovers forced apart at dawn.
Etymology
Ultimately from Latin albus, "white," which also gives the Spanish word alba, "dawn."