speech

noun

ˈspēch

Synonyms of speech next

: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words

: exchange of spoken words : conversation

: something that is spoken : utterance

: a usually public discourse : address

: language, dialect

: an individual manner or style of speaking

: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Example Sentences

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 The awardees all gave moving speeches about their work, and their visions for the future. —

Town & Country, 18 May 2023 The case file reportedly noted that Pullos’ breath smelled of alcohol and her speech was slurred. —

Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023 Yellen, in her speech, urged Congress to act quickly. —

Darlene Superville, Fortune, 17 May 2023 People gathered at Town Field Park and listened to speeches, before taking off for the 27th annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. —

Sean Cotter, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2023 Levine, the frontman for Maroon 5, started his speech on a note of rivalry. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 12 May 2023 In March, Dávila traveled to D.C. from Charlotte to make an impassioned speech at the Organization of American States. —

Paulina Villegas, Washington Post, 12 May 2023 This means licensing speech, a prospect every American should be frightened of. —

Shoshana Weissmann, National Review, 10 May 2023 His speech is expected to rip into the spending cuts that Republicans have sought in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling. —

Ryan King, Washington Examiner, 9 May 2023 See More

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

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Kids Definition

speech

noun

ˈspēch

: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words

: something that is spoken

: a public talk

: a form of communication (as a language or dialect) used by a particular group

: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Medical Definition

speech

noun

ˈspēch

: 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