Polk

American

[pohk] / poʊk /

noun

James Knox, 1795–1849, the 11th president of the U.S. 1845–49.

Polk British

/ pəʊk /

noun

James Knox. 1795–1849, US statesman; 11th president of the US (1845–49). During his administration, Texas and territory now included in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and California were added to the Union

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mackaill is now working with Nasa's chief health and medical officer Dr James Polk on developing guidelines for doctors on how to treat astronauts, who have experienced these changes or trauma on return.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to specific questions about the incident, instead sending an emailed statement that outlined its state-mandated cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd recently began calling for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have committed no crimes and have strong community ties.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Polk told me she’s often asked if her mother ever slows down.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Our bodies were traded from the White House by James K. Polk.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023