folk

[ fohk ]

noun

1. Usually folks. (used with a plural verb) people in general:

   Folks say there wasn't much rain last summer.

2. Often folks. (used with a plural verb) people of a specified class or group:

   country folk; poor folks.

3. (used with a plural verb) people as the carriers of culture, especially as representing the composite of social mores, customs, forms of behavior, etc., in a society:

   The folk are the bearers of oral tradition.

4. folks, Informal.
   1. members of one's family; one's relatives:

      All his folks come from France.

   2. one's parents:

      Will your folks let you go?

   Synonyms: tribe, clan, people, kin, kinfolk

5. Archaic. a people or tribe.

adjective

1. of or originating among the common people:

   folk beliefs; a folk hero.

2. having unknown origins and reflecting the traditional forms of a society:

   folk culture; folk art.

folk

/ fəʊk /

noun

1. functioning as plural; often plural in form people in general, esp those of a particular group or class

   country folk

2. informal.
   functioning as plural; usually plural in form members of a family
3. informal.
   functioning as singular short for folk music
4. a people or tribe
5. modifier relating to, originating from, or traditional to the common people of a country

   a folk song

Derived Forms

• ˈfolkish, adjective
• ˈfolkishness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of folk¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English folc; cognate with Old Saxon, Old Norse folk, Old High German folk ( German Volk )

Word History and Origins

Origin of folk¹

Old English folc ; related to Old Saxon, Old Norse, Old High German folk

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. just folks, Informal. (of persons) simple, unaffected, unsophisticated, or open-hearted people:

   He enjoyed visiting his grandparents because they were just folks.

More idioms and phrases containing folk

see just folks .

Example Sentences

Even as De León backed the new law, he cautioned that he didn’t want to “mislead folks” into believing “a special force field” will protect them from deportation in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Ministers also argue the exemptions have tempted rich folk to buy up farm land – pushing up its value – primarily to avoid inheritance tax.

From BBC

Commentators who obsess over these numbers act shocked at just how forlorn the folks have become.

From Salon

At existing plants, younger folks have injected innovation into longstanding operation norms, improving safety and efficiency.

From Los Angeles Times

"We want folks to remember that despite the fear and anxiety — which is absolutely valid — our community is not alone," Orr said.

From Salon

Related Words

• community
• family
• group
• people
• public