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

The first lady of the U.S. celebrated new educational and technological advancements for the public tours of the executive mansion during her speech. —Julia Teti, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

In his speeches, Trump has emphasized his commitment to safeguarding benefits for seniors. —Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024

The left has also ramped up its attacks on Trump over his Social Security views, putting up billboards in Asheville, North Carolina, in August that took aim at Trump over Social Security as he was set to deliver a speech there on the economy. —Alison Durkee, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

On Saturday, Trump fixated on the male anatomy of late golf legend Arnold Palmer during a speech in western Pennsylvania. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 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