1
a
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
b
: exchange of spoken words : conversation
4
: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking
Synonyms
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
Israel estimates the group has already fired 5,000 since October, which means, as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech last week, much of its arsenal remains intact.
—
Ben Wedeman, CNN, 27 June 2024
In a speech last week, Hezbollah's leader warned that if war erupts, then all of Israel would be under threat.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 27 June 2024
In a speech to roughly 600 EPA employees, Regan will recount how the Trump administration hobbled the agency and how the Biden administration has rebuilt it, according to a copy of his prepared remarks shared first with The Washington Post.
—Maxine Joselow, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
The script, co-written by Holland, draws from actual incidents, although the film’s snaking story lacks showy moments or big speeches.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for speech 
Ben Wedeman, CNN, 27 June 2024
In a speech last week, Hezbollah's leader warned that if war erupts, then all of Israel would be under threat.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 27 June 2024
In a speech to roughly 600 EPA employees, Regan will recount how the Trump administration hobbled the agency and how the Biden administration has rebuilt it, according to a copy of his prepared remarks shared first with The Washington Post.
—Maxine Joselow, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
The script, co-written by Holland, draws from actual incidents, although the film’s snaking story lacks showy moments or big speeches.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for speech
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near speech
Cite this Entry
“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
speech
noun1
: 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
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share