speech

noun

ˈspēch 

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

a

: language, dialect

b

: an individual manner or style of speaking

4

: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Synonyms

• address
• declamation
• harangue
• oration
• peroration
• talk

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

Hosted by Ludacris, the show included performances from Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tate McRae, Latto, along with a surprise performance from the Icon Award recipient Cher and a special speech from Beyoncé after Stevie Wonder presented her with the Innovator Award. —Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024

The Georgia judge in former President Donald Trump's election interference case yesterday rejected his argument that the First Amendment shielded him from racketeering charges because his unfounded claims of widespread election fraud were political speech. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

The White House briefed dozens of online creators on President Biden’s State of the Union address ahead of the speech. —Makena Kelly, WIRED, 4 Apr. 2024

Wednesday’s announcement, which featured speeches from Congresswoman Doris Matsui and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, culminated months of discussion on where the A’s would play while their new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip is under construction. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 4 Apr. 2024

As Abe began his campaign speech in support of his local Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) colleague, Yamagami drifted away, only to reappear seconds later directly behind the entourage. —TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

The Oscar-winner has been experiencing undisclosed health issues for the past two years that affect her mobility and speech. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2024

In his speech Wednesday, Garland said $78 million of those funds would be made available to applicants beginning Wednesday. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024

Commissioner Werfel opened his speech at American University with a video clip from the Simpsons, in which Homer is heard loudly booing the IRS. —Scott Horsley, NPR, 24 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing speech

• figure of speech
• free speech
• speech form
• freedom of speech
• acceptance speech
• hate speech
• part of speech
• polite speech
• speech day
• speech therapy
• speech community
• speech impediment
• visible speech
• stump speech

Kids Definition

speech

noun

ˈspēch 

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

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