polka

noun

pol·​ka ˈpōl-kə  ˈpō-kə 

1

: a lively couple dance of Bohemian origin in duple time with a basic pattern of hop-step-close-step

2

: a lively originally Bohemian dance tune in ²/₄ time

polka intransitive verb

Examples of polka in a Sentence

The band played a polka.

Recent Examples on the Web

Performance by Mike Schneider Polka Band, a Milwaukee polka band 6:30 p.m. – Miss Oktoberfest Competition; competitors must be 21 or older, and categories include yodeling, stein hoisting, and a beer chug. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile Brewing Meanwhile's Oktoberfest kicks off at 8am Friday and continues through the weekend with polka bands, games and stein hoisting for all ages. —Nicole Cobler, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024

It’s dismissed as a fixture of polka bands, yet most people don’t realize how in the hands of a capable player, the accordion can take its place with any other instrument for profound music-making. —Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2024

To prepare for the extended sequence, Hiddleston had a six-week crash course to learn everything from jazz, swing, polka, samba and cha-cha to quickstep and moonwalk. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Czech, from Polka Polish woman, feminine of Polák Pole

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polka

• polka dot
• polka-dotted

Kids Definition

polka

noun

pol·​ka ˈpōl-kə 

: a lively dance that originated in Bohemia

polka verb