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

Colman Domingo looks fly with his polka-dot pocket square leaving Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in New York City on June 8. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

For example, style a red and white Madewell ruffled polka-dot top with blue denim shorts and a pair of strappy red sandals for the Fourth, and then rewear it with red satin pants and white kitten heels for a summer date night. —ABC News, 3 June 2026

Although most people go for the all-black look for sleek ensembles, polka-dot capris are not to be slept on. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 25 May 2026

Initially, it was associated with local musicians from a host country or even the national team (as was the case with this German polka song in 1974). —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 15 May 2026

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