SINCE 1828

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welsh

verb \ ˈwelsh , ˈwelch \

variants: or less commonly welch play \ˈwelch\

Definition of welsh

intransitive verb

1 informal, now sometimes offensive : to avoid payment —used with on

2 informal, now sometimes offensive : to break one's word : renege

—

welsher

noun, informal, now sometimes offensive

See welsh defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of welsh

probably from Welsh, adjective

First Known Use: 1871

in the meaning defined at sense 1

Welsh

noun \ ˈwelsh , ˈwelch \

variants: or less commonly Welch play \ˈwelch\

Definition of Welsh

1 : the Celtic language of the Welsh people

2 plural in construction : the natives or inhabitants of Wales

3 : welsh pony

—

Welsh

or less commonly Welch adjective

See Welsh defined for English-language learners

See Welsh defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of welsh

Middle English Walsche, Welsse, from walisch, welisch, adjective, Welsh, from Old English wælisc, welisc foreign, British, Welsh, from Old English Wealh foreigner, Briton, Welshman, of Celt origin; akin to the source of Latin Volcae, a Celtic people of southeastern Gaul

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

Other Language Terms

cognate, collocation, homonym

WELSH Defined for English Language Learners

Welsh

noun

Definition of Welsh for English Language Learners

: the language of the Welsh people
the Welsh : the people of Wales

WELSH Defined for Kids

1

Welsh

adjective \ ˈwelsh \

Definition of Welsh for Students

: of or relating to Wales or the people of Wales

2

Welsh

noun

Definition of Welsh for Students

: the people of Wales

Learn More about welsh

Spanish Central: Translation of welsh Nglish: Translation of welsh for Spanish speakers

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

Welsbach

Welsh

welsh

Welsh black

Welsh cob

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