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

Many of them, including polka-dot prints and minimalist shapes, take cues from the season’s major fashion trends. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2026

If the black polka-dot print isn’t for you, choose from 13 additional colors and patterns, including solid green and a red floral, at varying price points. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026

This comforter caught my attention immediately, thanks to its textured polka-dot design. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026

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

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