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 letter says the issue goes beyond one artist or one concert, raising questions about free speech and whether Macklemore's support for Palestinian rights played a role in his removal. — Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

The president doesn’t see any disconnect between his big talk on free speech and his attempt to censor or punish the media and his political opposition—and neither, apparently, do many in the Republican Party. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026

Nationwide, the rankings suggest some improvement in campus free speech climates, while also showing that many students still report difficulty discussing controversial topics and remain skeptical of allowing controversial speakers on campus. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Rosenberg ordered two of the videos removed at Tuesday’s hearing but stayed the order for 30 days to allow Bourne’s attorney, Jesse Franklin-Murdock, to pursue appellate review of the decision on free speech grounds. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 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