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

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing and dancing on the balcony in a blue polka dot dress, she looks much younger than her age, having suffered from malnutrition in the past.

From BBC