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folk

n. · adj.
US //ˈfoʊk// UK //fˈəʊk// folk
  1. 1 people in general (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    people in general, or a specific group of people.

    people in general or a specific collective group. Often used in the plural 'folks' as a friendly or informal address.

    Example

    The local folks are very friendly to tourists who visit the village.

    Example

    The town meeting was packed with local folks eager to voice their concerns about the proposed highway expansion.
  2. 2 family members (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    your family, especially your parents.

    one's relatives, specifically one's parents. Almost exclusively used in the plural form.

    Example

    I am going back home this weekend to visit my folks.

    Example

    After living abroad for a decade, he found it difficult to adjust to the quiet lifestyle of his folks back in the countryside.
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  1. 3 folk music (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    traditional music from a particular country or region.

    traditional music originating among the common people of a nation or region, typically transmitted orally.

    Example

    The festival features a mix of modern rock and traditional folk.

    Example

    The singer-songwriter drew heavy inspiration from Appalachian folk, blending acoustic guitar with haunting, traditional melodies.
    • traditional music
  2. 4 traditional or regional (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the traditional culture, art, or stories of ordinary people.

    pertaining to the traditional beliefs, customs, and culture of the common people.

    Example

    She loves collecting folk art from the different countries she visits.

    Example

    The museum's collection of folk costumes provides a fascinating glimpse into the regional identities of the nineteenth century.
  3. 5 vernacular architecture (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Architecture

    relating to buildings made with local materials and traditional styles.

    relating to traditional architecture using local materials and styles, often without a professional architect.

    Example

    The village is famous for its folk architecture and stone cottages.

    Example

    The preservation society aims to protect examples of folk architecture that demonstrate how early settlers adapted to the harsh climate.
Origin

From Middle English folk, from Old English folc, from Proto-West Germanic folk, from Proto-Germanic fulką, possibly from Proto-Indo-European pl̥h₁-gós, from pleh₁- (“to fill”). Cognate with German Volk, Dutch volk, Swedish folk and Danish folk. Doublet of volk.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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