free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech Nat'l Law Jour.

Examples of free speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Union members contend that their free speech rights were violated when UC system leaders called on police to forcibly remove pro-Palestinian encampments at several campuses, including at UCLA. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024 Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel Murphy, in an order issued on Tuesday, dismissed the case under a statute allowing for the early dismissal of lawsuits intended to chill free speech. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for free speech 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free speech was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near free speech

Cite this Entry

“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

free speech

noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech

Legal Definition

free speech

noun
1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speechA. M. Dershowitz
2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speechNational Law Journal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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