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Definition of folks

folks

/foʊks/
folks
Plural:folks
•
Adjective:folksy
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folks Lexical Profile

folks Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

(informal) People in general, or people of a specified group or kind; also used as a friendly form of direct address to a group of people.

Example

"Most folks in this neighborhood have lived here for decades."

2

(informal) One's parents or immediate family members.

Example

"I am traveling home this weekend to visit my folks for the holidays."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for folks

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'folk' is historically a collective noun that can take a plural verb without an '-s' (especially in British English or when referring to an ethnic or cultural group), the pluralized form 'folks' is standard in informal contexts to mean people in general, as a friendly direct address, or to refer to one's parents.

• Rhymes for folks

• Nearby Words

folkdance
folklore
folkloric
folks
folksiness
folksinger
folksinging

Word Origin & Etymology

From the plural of 'folk', which derives from Old English 'folc', meaning 'common people, nation, or tribe', from Proto-Germanic '*fulka-'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Folks. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/folks
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