keynote address

noun

: an address designed to present the issues of primary interest to an assembly (such as a political convention) and often to arouse unity and enthusiasm

called also keynote speech

Examples of keynote address in a Sentence

Many of the convention guests left after the keynote address.

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's keynote address at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium on Friday. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

The program will include a keynote address by professional rock climber Tommy Caldwell. — Haley Parsley august 17, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The following essay is adapted from a keynote address given at the Association for the Study of Buffy+’s 11th Biennial Slayage Conference on July 10, 2026. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

The Market event has added to its keynote speaker lineup, with Obsession director Curry Barker, Gary Oldman and Barbie producer Robbie Brenner set to deliver keynote addresses. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for keynote address

• icbms
• abbess
• abscess
• access
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

keynote address

noun

: the main speech given at a gathering (as a political convention)