1. medieval lyric poets and musician-composers, especially from southern France, who wrote and performed songs about courtly love and chivalry
Usage: historical
2. traveling musicians or singers who perform folk songs or ballads

Examples

• The troubadours of 12th-century France created elaborate songs about romantic love.
• Medieval troubadours traveled from castle to castle entertaining nobles with their music.
• Students studied the poetry of famous troubadours like Bernart de Ventadorn.
• Modern folk festivals sometimes feature performers who call themselves troubadours.
• The troubadours influenced the development of European literature and music.
• These wandering troubadours carried news and stories between distant villages.