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
After Michelle Wolf's controversial monologue in 2018 received mixed reviews from critics, the WHCA chose historian Ron Chernow to present a speech the following year.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
In addition to agencies like Jacob’s Ladder, which provides speech and occupational services, there were attorneys and a representative from the Social Security office there to address questions.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Reynolds was seen giving Lively a pep talk before her emotional speech, which alluded to the ongoing legal battle with Baldoni.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
President Trump is expected to take a victory lap on the southern border and inflation during a speech in Michigan to mark his first 100 days back in the White House.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speech
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
In addition to agencies like Jacob’s Ladder, which provides speech and occupational services, there were attorneys and a representative from the Social Security office there to address questions.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Reynolds was seen giving Lively a pep talk before her emotional speech, which alluded to the ongoing legal battle with Baldoni.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
President Trump is expected to take a victory lap on the southern border and inflation during a speech in Michigan to mark his first 100 days back in the White House.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 25 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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