"The bard" is often used as a synonym for William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and poet. However, there are many other terms that can be used to refer to Shakespeare or other poets of his era. Some of these include "the immortal bard," "the Swan of Avon," "the great genius of the age," and "the pride of England." Other notable bards in history include the ancient Greek poet Homer, the Irish Dylan Thomas, and the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Each of these writers had a unique style and impact on literature, making them deserving of the title "the bard" in their own right.