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• welch
  welch

  verb (used without object)

  welsh.
• Welch
  Welch

  noun

  James, 1940–2003, U.S. poet and novelist.

welch

¹ American  

[welch, welsh] / wɛltʃ, wɛlʃ /

verb (used without object)

Informal: Sometimes Offensive.

1. welsh.

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Welch ² American  

[welch, welsh] / wɛltʃ, wɛlʃ /

noun

1. James, 1940–2003, U.S. poet and novelist.

2. Joseph Nye, 1890–1960, U.S. trial lawyer.

3. Robert, Jr., 1899–1985, U.S. candy manufacturer: founder of the John Birch Society 1958.

4. William Henry, 1850–1934, U.S. medical pathologist and educator.

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Welch ¹ British  

/ wɛlʃ /

adjective

1. an archaic spelling of Welsh 1

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welch ² British  

/ wɛlʃ /

verb

1. a variant spelling of welsh

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Other Word Forms

• welcher noun

Etymology

Origin of welch

First recorded in 1855–60; variant of welsh ( def. )

Example Sentences

In Sarah Fritsche's blog the Cheese Professor, she explained the word "Welsh" was used as an insult in 1700s Britain, similar to how "welch" functioned as a pejorative.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

Its performance has been so abysmal that Maryland, the District of Columbia and other bay states have sued the EPA for allowing Pennsylvania, and also New York, to so badly welch on their commitments.

From Washington Times • Feb. 24, 2021

Because almost every peace treaty is so signed, a recognized principle of international law allows a nation to welch on its promises in the light of changed conditions.

From Time Magazine Archive

He threatened to welch on a $17,500,000 debt.

From Time Magazine Archive

But I ain't no hand to welch; so up I goes next afternoon, with my gym. suit in a bag, and gets my first inside view of the Brasstonia, where the plute hangs out.

From Side-stepping with Shorty by Ford, Sewell