First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1folk
noun \ˈfōk\
folks : people in general
—used to talk to a group of people in a friendly and informal way
: a certain kind of people
plural folk or folks
Full Definition of FOLK
1
archaic : a group of kindred tribes forming a nation : people
2
: the great proportion of the members of a people that determines the group character and that tends to preserve its characteristic form of civilization and its customs, arts and crafts, legends, traditions, and superstitions from generation to generation
3
plural : a certain kind, class, or group of people <old folks> <just plain folk> <country folk> <media folk>
4
plural : people generally
5
folks plural : the persons of one's own family; especially : parents
6
: folk music
See folk defined for English-language learners
See folk defined for kids
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Origin of FOLK
Middle English, from Old English folc; akin to Old High German folc people
Related to FOLK
Other Anthropology Terms
2folk
adjective
: of or relating to the common people of a country or region
Full Definition of FOLK
1
: originating or traditional with the common people of a country or region and typically reflecting their lifestyle <folk hero> <folk music>
2
: of or relating to the common people or to the study of the common people <folk sociology>
See folk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FOLK
before 12th century
FOLK Defined for Kids
1folk
noun \ˈfōk\
plural folk or folks
Definition of FOLK for Kids
1
: persons of a certain kind or group <the old folk> <rich folks>
2
folks plural : people in general <Most folks agree with me.>
3
folks plural : family members and especially parents
2folk
adjective
Definition of FOLK for Kids
: created by the common people <a folk dance> <folk music>
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