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

First grader disciplined over Black Lives Matter drawing does have free speech rights, court rules. —FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Braun also issued a proclamation commending TPUSA's dedication to free speech and calling all schools to facilitate chapters. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 12 Mar. 2026

The free speech rights of first graders are at the center of an ongoing legal fight in California. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Across the country, courts are also upholding civil rights in cases involving voting access, free speech, equal protection and executive authority. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 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