# polka

/ˈpoʊkɑ/ (US) · /pˈɒlkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polka
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a fast and lively dance for couples that comes from Central Europe. It is also the name for the upbeat music that goes with the dance.

For teachers: a lively couple dance in duple time of Bohemian origin, or the musical composition that accompanies it. Characterised by a quick, rhythmic step-hop pattern.

## Examples

- The band played a fast polka and everyone started dancing.
- At the traditional wedding, the older guests were the first to hit the floor when the band began a polka.
- While the polka originated as a folk dance in the mid-19th century, it rapidly achieved international popularity, influencing ballroom culture across Europe and the Americas.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in the phrase 'polka dot' to describe a pattern of small circles.

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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.