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

Among the images shared are photos of Kate and William in front of Buckingham Palace during a garden party held on May 8, where the heir to the throne appeared wearing an elegant top hat and the princess wore a stunning polka-dot ensemble. — Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026

The Pretty Woman star wore a polka-dot navy dress for the intimate Sun Valley, Idaho ceremony. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 July 2026

Many riders would have accepted taking a stage and the polka-dot jersey, but Carapaz’s fable is the paradigm of the man unafraid to fail. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Shop more wrap dresses below, including a polka-dot mini, a silky maxi, and a spaghetti-strap midi that’s at its lowest price in more than 90 days on Amazon. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 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