Definition of "folk" in English

noun

1. (countable, archaic) A people; a tribe or nation; the inhabitants of a region, especially the native inhabitants.

   • We thus arrive at a most unexpected imbroglio. The French have become a Germanic folk and the Germanic folk have become Gaulish!

2. (collective plural) People, persons.

   • There were a lot of folk in the streets.
   • Young folk, old folk, everybody come / To our little Sunday School, and have a lot of fun.

3. (collective plural, usually as folks) One’s relatives, especially one’s parents.

   • I need to call my folks back home.

4. (music) Ellipsis of folk music.

adjective

1. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of a land, their culture, tradition, or history.

2. Of or pertaining to common people as opposed to ruling classes or elites.

3. (architecture) Of or related to local building materials and styles.

4. Believed or transmitted by the common people; not academically or ideologically correct or rigorous.

   • folk psychology; folk linguistics