free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

also : the right to such speech

an unconstitutional restraint on free speech

—Nat'l Law Jour.

Examples of free speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In December, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the district, arguing the book removals violated federal and state free speech protections. —Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 6 May 2025

Americans have the right to boycott, and penalizing this risks free speech. —Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025

The move is all but certain to face legal challenges from the industry, including on free speech grounds. —Tara Suter, The Hill, 5 May 2025

Brand, who has since faded from mainstream culture, is an outspoken critic of American politics and free speech and regularly posts his views on his YouTube channel. —Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free speech

• beseech
• impeach
• outreach
• beach
• beech
• bleach
• breach
• breech
• each
• keech
• leach
• leech

Kids Definition

free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

also : the right to such speech

Legal Definition

free speech

noun

1

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

setting off an alarm bell is not free speech

—A. M. Dershowitz

2

: freedom of speech

an unconstitutional restraint on free speech

—National Law Journal