speech

noun

ˈspēch How to pronounce speech (audio)
Synonyms of speechnext
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 of speech

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Upon being asked to bend the knee, Aegon delivers a fiery speech asserting his magnificence. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Aegon will have none of it and begins his rousing, defiant speech. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Protesters held movie nights and set up mutual aid stations and stages for speeches and music. — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026 The decision is tied to Singapore’s policies on public speech, which prohibit publicly displaying foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speech

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

Phrases Containing speech

Rhymes for speech

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Browse Nearby Words

SpEd
speech
speech community
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Cite this Entry

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

speech

noun
ˈspēch How to pronounce speech (audio)
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 How to pronounce speech (audio)
: 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

Nglish: Translation of speech for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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