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

After the floodgates opened (and permission was probably given to post), Aric Jones posted a carousel including a photo of Kelce giving a speech. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024

His reassuring — and heartfelt speech — calms her nerves as both embrace their ghosts and get married. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

Just hours before kick-off against Shamrock Rovers, Chelsea posted a video on social media of Maresca giving a speech inside the senior dressing room at Cobham. —Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

The 5th annual survey asked over 58,000 students at public and private universities questions regarding students' First Amendment rights of speech, expression and assembly. —Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 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

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