Word
welt
US/ˈwɛɫt/
UK/wˈɛlt/
Definitions
01mark on the skin
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a raised, red mark on your skin, usually caused by being hit with something or by an insect bite.
n. a ridge or lump raised on the skin, typically by a blow from a whip or stick, or as a result of an allergic reaction or insect bite.
“After walking through the tall grass, he found a red welt on his leg from a bug bite.”
“The victim arrived at the emergency room with several angry welts across his shoulders, consistent with being struck by a heavy, flexible object.”
02shoe/garment edge
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a strip of leather or fabric sewn into the edge of a shoe or piece of clothing to make it stronger.
n. a strip of material, often leather, stitched into the seam between the sole and the upper of a shoe to provide reinforcement and water resistance.
“High-quality leather boots often feature a sturdy welt to help them last for years.”
“The cobbler explained that a Goodyear welt allows the shoe to be resoled multiple times, significantly extending the lifespan of the footwear.”
03to hit hard
C2 · Proficiency Literary
v. to hit someone or something hard enough to leave a mark.
v. to strike someone or something with enough force to produce raised ridges on the surface.
“The rain began to welt against the window as the storm grew stronger.”
“In the historical novel, the antagonist threatened to welt anyone who dared to challenge his authority in the village.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Because the mosquito is new to the area and people have had less exposure, Aedes bites can leave larger welts, according to Medina Diaz.” “However, leaving evidence of hitting, such as welts, bruises, swelling or lacerations, is illegal and considered child abuse in all states.” “As it slips downs her throat, she can feel it blistering her skin, leaving a trail of red, itchy welts behind.” Etymology
From Middle English welten, from Old English weltan, wieltan, from Proto-Germanic waltijaną, from Proto-Indo-European wel- (“to turn; wind; twist”). Cognate with German wälzen, Danish vælte, Swedish välta, Icelandic velta.
Circa 1425, a shoemaker's term. Perhaps related to Middle English welten (“to overturn, roll over”), from Old Norse velta (“to roll”). Meaning "ridge on the skin from a wound" first recorded 1800.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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