free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

also : the right to such speech

… speakers were allowed to exercise their constitutional right of free speech …

—Harold Ickes

Examples of free speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The judge emphasized free speech concerns, given how reliant the case is on social media posts made by the accused, according to CBS News. —James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026

However, the Library of Congress also notes the Supreme Court considers wearing the flag an act of free speech that is protected by the First Amendment. —Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

Campbell, known as Uncle Luke, was leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew, before becoming a free speech and civic activist, and youth football coach. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026

And that highlights the biggest problem for free speech on American campuses. —Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free speech

• beseech
• impeach
• outreach
• beach
• beech
• bleach
• breach
• breech
• each
• keech
• leach
• leech

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 speech

—A. M. Dershowitz

2

: freedom of speech

an unconstitutional restraint on free speech

—National Law Journal