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

Bryan Sullivan, a lawyer for Jonasi, called the decision a vindication of his client’s right to free speech. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026

These are lawsuits that are not meritorious but are brought to any of harass, intimidate or retaliate against defendants for their exercise of their free speech and related rights. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

She was drawn to that group’s organizing in free speech fights. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Equal protection out, free speech in A federal lawsuit filed in April 2026 brought the timeline for this legislative overhaul forward quickly. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 9 July 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