WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
welsh /wɛlʃ, wɛltʃ/USA pronunciation also welch,
v.
Welsh /wɛlʃ, wɛltʃ/USA pronunciation adj.of or relating to the language spoken by many of the people in Wales.
n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- [~ + on + ] obj][Often Offensive.]
- Informal Termsto fail to pay what is owed:He welshed on his debts.
- Informal Termsto go back on one's word.
Welsh /wɛlʃ, wɛltʃ/USA pronunciation adj.
- of or relating to Wales.
n.
- [plural;
the + ~;
used with a plural verb] the people born or living in Wales. - [uncountable] the language spoken by many of the people in Wales.
welsh
(welsh, welch),USA pronunciation v.i. [Informal]([sometimes offensive]).
welsh′er, n.
Welsh (welsh, welch),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
- Informal Termsto cheat by failing to pay a gambling debt:You aren't going to welsh on me, are you?
- Informal Termsto go back on one's word:He welshed on his promise to help in the campaign.
- perh. special use of Welsh 1855–60
Welsh (welsh, welch),USA pronunciation adj.
- Language Varietiesof or pertaining to Wales, its people, or their language.
n.
- Language Varietiesthe inhabitants of Wales and their descendants elsewhere.
- Language VarietiesAlso called Cymric, Kymric. the Celtic language of Wales.
- Animal Husbandryone of a white, lop-eared breed of swine of Welsh origin that produces a large amount of lean meat.
- bef. 900; Middle English Welische, Old English Welisc, derivative of Walh Briton, foreigner (compare Latin Volcae a Gallic tribe); cognate with German welsch foreign, Italian