I. ˈfōk noun
( plural folk or folks )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English folc; akin to Old High German folc people
Date: before 12th century
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 folk s
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
II. adjective
Date: before 12th century
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