folk

noun

\ ˈfōk

plural folk or folks

Definition of folk

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 archaic : a group of kindred tribes forming a nation : people

2 : the great proportion of the members of a people that determines the group character and that tends to preserve its characteristic form of civilization and its customs, arts and crafts, legends, traditions, and superstitions from generation to generation

3 folk or folks plural : a certain kind, class, or group of people old folks just plain folk country folk media folk

4 folk or folks plural : people generally

5 folks plural : the persons of one's own family especially : parents

6 : folk music

folk

adjective

Definition of folk (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : originating or traditional with the common people of a country or region and typically reflecting their lifestyle folk hero folk music

2 : of or relating to the common people or to the study of the common people folk sociology

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about folk

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of folk in a Sentence

Noun

Folks say that house is haunted. Some folks think the law should be changed. a home for old folks the distinctive speech of folks from the South I'll be spending the holidays with my folks. His folks gave him everything a kid could want.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But folks in this camp have one major advantage — time. — Marianne Hayes, Redbook, "How Much Money Do You Really Need to Retire?," 9 July 2018 In addition to the drug seeking behavior, there's also kind of a thrill ride for some of these folks. — Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, "How counterfeit cash, SB 91 & stolen guns fit into the Anchorage car theft epidemic: A Q&A with detectives," 28 June 2018 One study in 2015 found that when healthy folks (who normally consume low or moderate levels of alcohol) had an episode of binge drinking, their immunity initially rose. — Jessica Migala, Good Housekeeping, "5 Major Dry January Health Benefits, According to Experts," 26 Dec. 2018 Different folks who have come forward with concerning allegations. — Fox News, "Coons: Kavanaugh hearing should be paused for investigation," 27 Sep. 2018 The reception, staffed by the most personable folks in the city, is linked to the galleries by two bridges. — Carrie Hutchinson, Condé Nast Traveler, "10 Best Museums in Melbourne," 26 Sep. 2018 Known for his genre crossing music which includes rock, pop, folk, electronic and more, Einaudi makes a stop in Atlanta at Symphony Hall during his 2018 North American tour. — Nedra Rhone, ajc, "Things to do in and around Atlanta on Wednesday, July 11," 11 July 2018 With a record-breaking heat wave underway and the World Cup in full swing, folks in the U.K. are clamoring for thirst-quenching fizzy drinks, cold beers and meat for barbecues. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "A Carbon Dioxide Shortage Is Threatening the U.K.’s Supply of Beer and Crumpets," 3 July 2018 City folks, country neighbors Lexington’s liberal-conservative divide neither begins nor ends with the incident at the Red Hen. — Jessica Mendoza, The Christian Science Monitor, "In Red Hen aftermath, a community wades through nation's vitriol," 29 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

After Carly and Martina, indie band Half-Alive and folk musician Liza Anne finished off the series for the day. — Elena Weissmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Emerging Artist Series performers infuse youthful energy and soul into Summerfest," 3 July 2018 Programs such as soccer matches, a live animal show, free kids' activities, a book fair, folk art, and crafts, souvenirs and novelty items for sale will round out the festivities. — Mark Holan/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Hungarian Festival is largest in Ohio: Sun Postings," 26 Aug. 2017 Classical musicians usually refer to their instrument as a violin, and most folk players call it a fiddle. — Michael Austin, chicagotribune.com, "Syrah is like a violin, and shiraz is like a fiddle (but sometimes not)," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'folk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.