speech

noun

ˈspēch 

1

a

: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words

b

: exchange of spoken words : conversation

2

a

: something that is spoken : utterance

b

: a usually public discourse : address

3

a

: language, dialect

b

: an individual manner or style of speaking

4

: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Synonyms of speech

• lecture
• talk
• address
• oration
• sermon
• presentation
• monologue
• declamation
• peroration

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

Before Deborah can let that sink in, she is taken away by the cops for violating her restraining order — despite Ava’s insistence that Deborah’s speech wasn’t funny enough to count as comedy. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026

After Andy gives an impassioned speech about the state of journalism that goes semi-viral, she is enlisted as features editor at Runway in order to restore credibility to a brand in crisis. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026

Alternatively, Jeglertz seeks the thoughts and opinions of his staff and players, from tactics and structure to the pre-match speech in the dressing room. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 May 2026

The rally opened with a welcome from Prothro, followed by speeches from 10 speakers, three songs and a candle lighting, according to an event program. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, spǣc; akin to Old English sprecan to speak — more at speak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing speech

• acceptance speech
• figure of speech
• freedom of speech
• free speech
• hate speech
• part of speech
• polite speech
• speech community
• speech day
• speech form
• speech impediment
• speech therapy
• stump speech
• visible speech

Rhymes for speech

• beach
• beech
• bleach
• breach
• breech
• each
• keech
• leach
• leech
• meech
• peach
• preach

Kids Definition

speech

noun

ˈspēch 

1

: 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

ˈspēch 

: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words

Legal Definition

speech

noun

: words or conduct used to communicate or express a thought : expression see also commercial speech, freedom of speech, free speech, obscene, symbolic speech