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
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 slogan even made it to the highest office in the land in September when former President Joe Biden included it in his speech during NJ/NY Gotham FC’s celebratory visit to the White House for winning the 2023 NWSL title.
—
Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025
So far, Fed officials in recent speeches haven’t sounded the alarm on inflation expectations.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
In a floor speech later that day, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the ranking member on the Foreign Relations committee, said Ukraine still has bipartisan support.
—Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The system processes natural speech and fields menu customizations.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speech
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025
So far, Fed officials in recent speeches haven’t sounded the alarm on inflation expectations.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
In a floor speech later that day, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the ranking member on the Foreign Relations committee, said Ukraine still has bipartisan support.
—Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The system processes natural speech and fields menu customizations.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speech
Cite this Entry
“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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
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