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

To my great surprise, I had no memory that John Candy had a stellar bit part in the film as a modest Midwestern polka player.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times