polka

[pohl-kuh, poh-kuh]

noun

plural

polkas 

1. a lively couple dance of Bohemian origin, with music in duple meter.

2. a piece of music for such a dance or in its rhythm.

verb (used without object)

polkaed, polkaing 

1. to dance the polka.

polka

/ ˈpɒlkə /

noun

1. a 19th-century Bohemian dance with three steps and a hop, in fast duple time

2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

verb

1. (intr) to dance a polka

polka

1. A lively dance for couples, originating in eastern Europe.

Johann Strauss, the Younger wrote many polkas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polka¹

1835–45; < Czech: literally, Polish woman or girl; compare Polish polka Polish woman, polak Pole

Word History and Origins

Origin of polka¹

C19: via French from Czech pulka half-step, from pul half

Example Sentences

I said, well, have you seen ‘Home Alone’? Remember the polka guy that picks up the mom and takes her in the van?

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During closing arguments, Cardi B wore a black and white polka dot suit with a red bow, her black hair tied up.

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“I needed somebody that could play the trumpet and then someone to play clarinet for the polkas,” he says.

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But the ones people hum are the funny ones, the ones you can polka or waltz or mosh to, the ones that pep you up.

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Its storefront, painted with polka dots and decorated with giant butterflies, sits like a cheery oasis in Gustine’s four-block downtown, a riot of green spilling from the planter boxes out front.

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