adj

Welsh

WEHLSH

adj

Relating to Wales, its people, culture, or language.

"She grew up speaking Welsh at home."

"They visited a traditional Welsh village in the mountains."

noun

The Celtic language spoken in Wales.

"Road signs across Wales are written in both English and Welsh."

verb

To fail to pay a debt or fulfil a promise (considered by many to be an offensive usage due to its origin).

"He welshed on the deal at the last minute."

How to Use Welsh

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to Wales and its people or language — as an adjective/noun this is entirely neutral; the verb sense (failing to pay a debt) has a disputed and possibly offensive background, so many writers now avoid it.

Common mistake

Best to avoid the verb usage ("to welsh on a bet") in formal writing given its uncertain and potentially offensive origin — use "renege" or "default" instead.

Common pairings

the Welsh language Welsh countryside Welsh accent

Word Forms

more welsh comparative, welshed past tense, Welsh plural, Welshes plural, welshes singular, most welsh superlative

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She grew up speaking _____ at home.

Etymology

From Old English wælisc, originally meaning "foreign" or "Celtic/Roman," derived from the Germanic name for the Celtic and Roman peoples the Anglo-Saxons encountered.

Rhymes for Welsh

Walsh

See all rhymes for Welsh →