What does welsh mean?
Welsh is chiefly an adjective denoting things connected with Wales, the Welsh people, or the Welsh language. It may describe the nation's geography and history, as in Welsh poetry or Welsh coal, or describe a person, as in a Welsh artist. As a noun, a Welsh is a person from Wales. The word also has an uncommon informal verb meaning to cut off an animal's ears or tail, especially those of a sheep, or more generally to cut or trim short. Welsh is distinctive in combining several grammatical roles while expressing a strong connection to a nation, its culture, and one of the world's oldest living languages. The related collective form Welshmen remains the standard plural when referring to people from Wales, while Welsh women are commonly called Welshwomen.
Relating to Wales, the Welsh people, or the Welsh language.
"The museum is displaying traditional Welsh dress."
Usually capitalized when referring to the nation, its people, or its language.
A native of Wales or a member of the Welsh people.
"Several Welsh were invited to the cultural festival."
The standard plural is Welshmen.
To cut off an animal's ears or tail, especially a sheep's, or to cut or trim something short.
"The farmer had to welsh several of the infected sheep."
This sense is uncommon and informal.
The standard plural of Welsh when referring collectively to people from Wales.
"Many Welshmen attended the national festival."
Welsh carries a whole nation in one word: its people, its Celtic language, and the red dragon of Y Ddraig Goch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of welsh
Welsh developed from Old English wēalas, the plural of wēalh, an old term for a Celt or Welshman. The collective form came to denote the Welsh people, while the modern adjective and noun were subsequently established with the meaning of relating to Wales or belonging to its people. The root survives in related forms such as Wales, Welshman, and Welshwoman.
Related word forms
How welsh is actually used
The adjective and noun are normally capitalized when they refer to Wales, Welsh people, or the Welsh language. The verb is uncommon and informal; it is especially associated with cutting off or trimming an animal's ears or tail.