polka

[ pohl-kuh, poh-kuh ]

noun

, plural pol·kas.

1. a lively couple dance of Bohemian origin, with music in duple meter.
2. a piece of music for such a dance or in its rhythm.

verb (used without object)

, pol·kaed, pol·ka·ing.

1. to dance the polka.

polka

/ ˈpɒlkə /

noun

1. a 19th-century Bohemian dance with three steps and a hop, in fast duple time
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

verb

1. intr to dance a polka

polka

1. A lively dance for couples, originating in eastern Europe.

Notes

Johann Strauss, the Younger wrote many polkas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polka¹

1835–45; < Czech: literally, Polish woman or girl; compare Polish polka Polish woman, polak Pole

Word History and Origins

Origin of polka¹

C19: via French from Czech pulka half-step, from pul half

Example Sentences

In Aspartame, the descriptions of the physical side effects of bulimia aren’t sugar coated, she is “rail thin in a polka dress” with “tooth enamel dissolved by stomach acid”.

From BBC

The genre sounds like a sweaty 1970s bar — polka beats with horns instead of accordions, songs that veer from oldies-but-goodies to rancheras, with springy bass lines, whirling keyboards and jangly guitars making it impossible to sit still.

From Los Angeles Times

My earliest memories of fashion would be getting a red polka dot dress for Easter and refusing to take it off.

From Los Angeles Times

“My earliest memories of fashion would be getting a red polka dot dress for Easter and refusing to take it off.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then, after learning I teach journalism in Colorado, they proceeded to tell me all about their lives and their polka connections – “Have you heard of Norm Dombrowski and the Happy Notes?”

From Salon