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

Available in 16 colors and prints, like light pink and black-and-white polka-dot, this top has earned high praise from shoppers for its sophisticated appearance and wear-with-anything silhouette. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Picture long wooden tables where strangers become friends over overflowing steins, brass bands keeping the polka beat alive, and platters of sausages carried out faster than they can be eaten. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025

The bottom half of her hair showed only two ringlets ending just past her collarbone; the rest was tucked beneath her polka-dot cap. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025

The German beer tent, live polka music and mulled wine that visitors have come to love in the Wauwatosa Village over the holidays will have to wait until next year. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025

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