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

Supporters argued that addressing Alzubi’s situation was a matter of free speech. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

After the verdict, Left blasted the case as an attack on free speech and innocent trading conduct. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

The right to free press is, like free speech, a basic freedom that applies to all Americans who choose to exercise it. —Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026

The justices agreed that the law raises free speech concerns, but didn’t strike it down. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 1 June 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