The present invention proposes a hydraulic valve lifter used in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter has a body consisting of a hollow cylindrical portion accommodating a cylindrical plunger and a lower end portion engaging with a cam controlling the valve motion. The two portions are joined together by welding. The bottom of the plunger is cut out annularly for preventing interference between the plunger and flash, which flash is caused by welding and remains in the inner recess of the lifter body.