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

During his set at the festival, Chappelle used his performance to comment on free speech in the United States. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2025

Carlson, for his part, argued for free speech. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025

The issues sparked dueling lawsuits and prompted questions about free speech and safety on college campuses. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025

Supporters say Club America promotes conservative values and banning the club would violate free speech rights. —Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

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