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

My whirlwind trip has led to stops (both planned and unplanned) at wineries with near-century-old vines; wineries perched at the edge of Lake Erie; wineries owned by Eastern Europeans with a penchant for polka. —Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 16 Apr. 2026

Vingegaard also secured the best climber’s polka-dot jersey, and took the best sprinter’s green jersey in a show of force that foreshadowed another major battle with Pogačar at the Tour this summer. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

Similarly, this polka-dot pick looks breezy and loose in all the right places, including the underarm area. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026

Butter yellow accents brighten up this polka-dot-and-tortoishell mani. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Apr. 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