Main Entry: speech

Pronunciation: \ˈspēch\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, spǣc; akin to Old English sprecan to speak — more at speak

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words b : exchange of spoken words : conversation
2 a : something that is spoken : utterance b : a usually public discourse : address
3 a : language, dialect b : an individual manner or style of speaking
4 : the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking