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

The group contends that word bans — which can lead to people who use those words getting kicked out of meetings and potentially barred from future ones — violate First Amendment protections of free speech. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Most notably, the Foundation provides free legal aid in cases defending free speech and women’s rights in more than 40 countries. — Christie Grimm, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Continue reading … JONATHAN TURLEY — France's free speech crackdown shows what happens when politicians define truth. — FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Permits relating to free speech or assembly events will not be denied because of this moratorium, the official said. — Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 8 Oct. 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