English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb Uncommon

welch

wehlch

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Welch (verb) means to fail to pay a debt or honor a promise, especially a bet. Example: “He welched on the bet and never paid up.”

verb

1

To fail to pay a debt or honor a promise, especially a bet.

"He welched on the bet and never paid up."

"Investors were furious after the company welched on its promised dividend."

How to use welch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo back out of paying money you owe or a promise you made.

Common mistake

Some people avoid this word because of its possible link to the ethnonym "Welsh"; "renege" or "default" are safe, neutral alternatives.

Common pairings

welch on a bet welch on a deal welch on a promise

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: welches
Third person singular: welches
Past tense: welched

Test yourself on “welch” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ on the bet and never paid up.

Etymology

An alternative spelling of "welsh" (in the sense "to fail to pay a debt"), originally from the ethnic term Welsh — the connection to the Welsh people is unclear and the usage is now considered by many to be offensive in origin, though it survives mainly as a set phrase.

Origin: Welsh

Synonyms

welsh

Related words

pay Welsh Walsh cymric

Rhymes for welch

mulch zilch belch gulch

See all rhymes for welch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “welch” mean?

The word “welch” means to fail to pay a debt or honor a promise, especially a bet. In plain terms, to back out of paying money you owe or a promise you made.

How do you pronounce “welch”?

“Welch” is pronounced wehlch (/wɛlt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “welch” in a sentence?

Here is “welch” used in a sentence: “He welched on the bet and never paid up.”

What part of speech is “welch”?

“Welch” is a verb.

Where does the word “welch” come from?

The word “welch” comes from Welsh.

Is “welch” a common word?

“Welch” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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