speech

noun

1
a
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
b
: exchange of spoken words : conversation
2
a
: something that is spoken : utterance
b
: a usually public discourse : address
3
b
: an individual manner or style of speaking
4
: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Examples of speech in a Sentence

She has to make a speech at the convention. a graduation speech about embracing future challenges I was so flustered that I momentarily lost the power of speech. Slang is used mostly in informal speech. Many words are more common in speech than in writing.
Recent Examples on the Web Harris, then a U.S. Senator from California, was among a large field of Democratic presidential hopefuls who gave speeches at the National Urban League Conference in Indianapolis on July 26, 2019. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 23 July 2024 Vice President Harris plans to skip Netanyahu’s speech to Congress this week, a source told CNN, underscoring the tense relationship between the Biden administration and the Israeli Prime Minister. 5. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 23 July 2024 Many of the couple's 18 bridesmaids and groomsmen gave speeches in honor of the bride and groom during the celebratory gathering. Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 23 July 2024 Prior to publication of Frito-Lay’s remarks in The Times, the lawsuit says, Montañez booked 35 engagements per year at $10,000 to $50,000 per speech. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for speech 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, spǣc; akin to Old English sprecan to speak — more at speak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of speech was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near speech

Cite this Entry

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

speech

noun
1
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
2
a
: something that is spoken
b
: a public talk
3
: a form of communication (as a language or dialect) used by a particular group
4
: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Medical Definition

speech

noun
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words

Legal Definition

speech

noun
: words or conduct used to communicate or express a thought : expression see also commercial speech, freedom of speech, free speech, obscene, symbolic speech

More from Merriam-Webster on speech

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