Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • Well-nigh; very nearly; almost.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun countable Wellington boot.
  • noun uncountable Force on a pedal or increase to any fuel or power for an engine or motor.
  • noun uncountable Force or effort.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Gordon by contrast, gasped at the bouquets and air kisses he got for standing “Calmly” in welly boots.

    Newmania Avoids Complacency Newmania 2008

  • This guy was there to whip up excitement about various events going on, such as welly tossing, and telling us when someone had won a prize in the many little raffles going on.

    Frenchless in France 2008

  • It has shaken off a reputation as a staid brand, loved by the green welly brigade, to become the maker of fashionable bags that young celebrities such as Chung and Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton are happy to tote.

    Mulberry bags reports sales rise of 80% Zoe Wood 2010

  • Applause and even some cheers resound around the ground as Eduardo arrives at speed to welly a nice half-volley into the net from 15 yards!

    Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk – as it happened Paul Doyle 2010

  • Its population is apparently split between creative bohemians and moneyed green-welly-ites.

    Spending review 2010: living with the cuts John Harris 2010

  • Thomas Vermaelen dinks the ball over the top for Thierry Henry to poke home on the volley, but there's too much welly on his chipped pass, which makes it easy for Milan keeper Abiati to gather.64 min: Another corner for Arsenal, after some slack defending from Thiago Silva earns him a shake of the head from Abiati.

    AC Milan 4-0 Arsenal – as it happened | Barry Glendenning 2012

  • Ah, and this is the new style I've heard so much about – big welly from Jaaskelainen, flick-on from Davies, first-time shot from Elmander wide of the near post.

    Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City - as it happened 2010

  • It has to be said that not all of Angelica Lost and Found makes perfect sense, and I do wish Hoban had packed a bit more welly into the ending, but these things matter less because he's asking, very entertainingly, deeper questions about belief and reality, about storytelling and the nature of life.

    Angelica Lost and Found by Russell Hoban - review Patrick Ness 2010

  • Pastore tries to pick out Di Maria with a pass, but puts too much welly on the ball.

    Argentina 1-0 Brazil - as it happened Barry Glendenning 2010

  • The ukulele is a great leveller; I'd love to see George Osborne and his team at the Treasury giving it some welly to Teenage Kicks.

    A working life: Ukulele teacher 2010

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