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

Conservative legal organization America First Legal filed the complaint on Shirley’s behalf, seeking relief on claims that the bill violates Shirley’s right to free speech under the First Amendment. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026

The business owners’ attorney, Russell Cormican, who has been litigating cases related to psychics and fortunetellers for over 20 years, said regulations of psychics’ free speech are often driven by discriminatory beliefs and biases. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

The ongoing legal battle raises questions about the limits of free speech versus anti-harassment laws. — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026

The actor-director continued on a more somber note, driving home the importance of free speech. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 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