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

The outcome marks a significant victory for the university as well as for free speech and academic freedom. —Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025

Scotland has been a kind of ground zero for restrictions on free speech rights for the pro-life community. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Civil liberties campaigners across Britain and beyond swiftly condemned the designation, warning that applying terrorism laws to such a group risks chilling free speech and assembly, while also setting a dangerous precedent for protest rights. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

Satire is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

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