# Polk

/ˈpoʊk/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polk
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to poke or prod someone, often in a playful or annoying way. It is a less common way to say 'poke' used in some local areas or informal groups.

For teachers: to prod or poke, typically with a finger or a pointed object. Often carries a colloquial or dialectal nuance; frequently used in informal contexts to describe repetitive or irritating physical contact.

## Examples

- Stop trying to polk me while I am working.
- The children spent the afternoon trying to polk each other through the gaps in the fence.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.