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
The Russian leader offered up his first public congratulations on Trump’s election win somewhat offhandedly, in a question-and-answer session that followed a lengthy speech.
—
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Each inflatable have its own audio cone and its own speech.
—Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024
The governor was present at Harris' concession speech at Howard University the night after the election but did not speak or publicly interact with her.
—Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2024
Royal Reign was by her mother’s side during her speech and looked like a super chic 10-year-old.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 26 Nov. 2024
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.
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Each inflatable have its own audio cone and its own speech.
—Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024
The governor was present at Harris' concession speech at Howard University the night after the election but did not speak or publicly interact with her.
—Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2024
Royal Reign was by her mother’s side during her speech and looked like a super chic 10-year-old.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for speech
Dictionary Entries Near speech
Cite this Entry
“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 30 Nov. 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