polka
polka Lexical Profile
polka Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A lively couple dance of Bohemian origin, performed with quick steps and hops in duple meter.
"Couples crowded onto the wooden floor to dance a traditional polka at the harvest festival."
A piece of upbeat music written in 2/4 time for or in the style of this dance.
"The accordionist played a cheerful polka that had the entire audience clapping along."
A tight-fitting, knitted or cloth jacket worn by women in the nineteenth century.
"The historical costume display featured a velvet polka trimmed with lace."
• verb
To dance the polka.
"My grandparents happily polkaed across the ballroom on their fiftieth anniversary."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-19th century via French and German from Czech 'polka', which refers either to a 'Polish woman' or is an alteration of 'půlka' ('half-step'), reflecting the characteristic quick half-steps of the dance.