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 of speech
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 unique vow arrangement saw both Swift and Kelce deliver 20-minute speeches celebrating their love and commitment to one another.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
6 July 2026
Rhaenyra is at her happiest finally facing the hungry people of King’s Landing, giving a rousing speech before passing out bread and fruit and grain and other sundries to the smallfolk.
—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2026
The next speaker, historian Douglas Bradburn, pointed it out in his speech before the day’s special guest.
—
Jesse Bedayn,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Vance is reflecting on the nation's 250th anniversary with a speech from the USS Kearsarge, which is part of the Sail4th 250 tall ship flotilla sailing through New York City today.
—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for speech
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
6 July 2026
Rhaenyra is at her happiest finally facing the hungry people of King’s Landing, giving a rousing speech before passing out bread and fruit and grain and other sundries to the smallfolk.
—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2026
The next speaker, historian Douglas Bradburn, pointed it out in his speech before the day’s special guest.
—
Jesse Bedayn,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Vance is reflecting on the nation's 250th anniversary with a speech from the USS Kearsarge, which is part of the Sail4th 250 tall ship flotilla sailing through New York City today.
—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for speech
Cite this Entry
“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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
