folk

noun

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\ ˈfōk

plural folk or folks

Definition of folk

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 folk or folks plural : people generally

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

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

4 : folk music

5 : 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

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

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

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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 UTArrrr picks up another sea shanty star, following the recent signing of folk group The Longest Johns. — Taylor Mims, Billboard, "Sea Shanty Sensation Nathan Evans Joins UTA," 10 Feb. 2021 These folk integrated Heights during the 1950s and ’60s. — Paula Allen, San Antonio Express-News, "Alamo Heights alums seek fellow 'Black pioneers' who integrated the San Antonio suburb's schools," 6 Feb. 2021 In contrast to the upbeat, folk-minded rave-ups favored by the Shiz, the Lilli Lewis Project drew on more restrained jazz, soul and R&B. — Keith Spera, NOLA.com, "Lilli Lewis, record label exec and recording artist, finds her voice in 'My American Heart'," 4 Feb. 2021 With numerous media folk present, the low dips to -60 three miles south of Tower. — Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, "Coldest Air of Winter On The Way," 1 Feb. 2021 Teachers unions and some media folk may enjoy stoking fears of superspreader classrooms, but science has consistently yielded a different message. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Hunter Gets a Bagel," 25 Jan. 2021 Many suggested that Colin Meloy, the frontman of the Decemberists, might feel a little jealous — as his band created sea shanty-adjacent folk-rock tunes for years. — Washington Post, "Sea shanties are here to save us," 13 Jan. 2021 Carter's musical taste is incredibly diverse, ranging from folk rock to soul to jazz. — Breeanna Hare, CNN, "'Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President': 12 songs to listen to next," 2 Jan. 2021 Fijiri shares broad but unmistakable similarities to the various vocal traditions of South African folk music, including in the KwaZulu-Natal region, where the celebrated jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini grew up. — New York Times, "5 Things to Do This Weekend," 4 Feb. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Merrifield sought instead to explore folk magic through the material objects that the practitioners themselves had left behind. — Geoff Manaugh, The New Yorker, "Witch Houses of the Hudson Valley," 31 Oct. 2019 This year, the event will feature more folk dancing groups, Plevrakis said, and guests can enjoy a DJ on Friday and Sunday, plus a live band on Saturday. — Christine Condon, baltimoresun.com, "'Sense-driven' Bel Air Greek Festival this weekend to feature folk-dancing, new desserts," 13 June 2019 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.