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.
In his inaugural Jackson Hole speech as chairman, Warsh warned that persistent inflation may necessitate further monetary tightening. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Carillo delivered a speech so rousing, witty and tender all at once that following her became something of an impossibility. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 After the Cowboys’ win, Pete received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance and gave a speech in the locker room that generated over 10 million views on social media. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 Yiannopoulos’ acerbic and at times hateful speech attracted the fury of students who argued his views should not be platformed. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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