polka

American  

[pohl-kuh, poh-kuh] / ˈpoʊl kə, ˈpoʊ kə /

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.

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verb (used without object)

polkaed, polkaing

1. to dance the polka.

polka British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) to dance a polka

polka Cultural  

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

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Discover More

Johann Strauss, the Younger wrote many polkas.

Etymology

Origin of polka

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

Example Sentences

If they can get those two wins within the next three games, they won’t have to return to Milwaukee, the land of the great sausage race, and of the polka dancers atop the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times