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Definition of speech

  • declamation

Examples of speech in a Sentence

Word history.

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

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 form
  • speech impediment
  • speech therapy
  • stump speech
  • visible speech

Dictionary Entries Near speech

Cite this entry.

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speech. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of speech, medical definition, medical definition of speech, legal definition, legal definition of speech, more from merriam-webster on speech.

Nglish: Translation of speech for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of speech for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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Definition of speech – Learner’s Dictionary

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speech noun ( SAY WORDS )

  • The article discusses different types of speech defect .
  • Hearing the speech of others is a good way to learn the language .
  • She is studying children's speech development .
  • Lip reading enables her to understand the speech of another without hearing the words.
  • The phonetic alphabet represents speech sounds symbolically .

speech noun ( PUBLIC TALK )

(Definition of speech from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of speech

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Word of the Day

a force that causes a feeling of pressure pushing you backwards, when you are moving very quickly forwards

It’s written in the stars: talking about things that might happen in the future

It’s written in the stars: talking about things that might happen in the future

definition of speech simple

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  • speech (SAY WORDS)
  • speech (PUBLIC TALK)
  • free speech/freedom of speech
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If you make a speech or give a talk, you speak for a period of time to an audience, usually saying things which you have prepared in advance.

A speech is made on a formal occasion, for example at a dinner, wedding, or public meeting.

A talk is more informal, and is intended to give information.

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  • spectrum line
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  • Specular iron
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  • sped you up
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 'speech' - Complete English Word Reference

Definitions of 'speech', grammar question, pronunciation of 'speech'.

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Synonyms of 'speech', collocations with 'speech', examples of 'speech'  in a sentence, translations of 'speech', 'speech' in other languages.

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COMMENTS

  1. SPEECH

    SPEECH meaning: 1. the ability to talk, the activity of talking, or a piece of spoken language: 2. the way a…. Learn more.

  2. Speech

    For 'speech', meaning a talk, see Public speaking. Speech is when spoken language is used to communicate.Only humans have language. Animals do not have speech, but some (birds are a good example) can communicate with each other by using sounds and gestures. [1] [2] [3]Speech is made by sounds vibrating the vocal folds.Sounds through the voice box is shaped by the jaw, tongue, teeth, palate ...

  3. Speech Definition & Meaning

    How to use speech in a sentence. the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words; exchange of spoken words : conversation; something that is spoken : utterance… See the full definition

  4. Speech

    When you say something out loud, that's speech. When you give a speech, you say a lot of things in front of a group. Maybe you should open with a joke?

  5. SPEECH definition and meaning

    6 meanings: 1. a. the act or faculty of speaking, esp as possessed by persons b. (as modifier) 2. that which is spoken;.... Click for more definitions.

  6. SPEECH

    SPEECH meaning: 1. someone's ability to talk, or an example of someone talking: 2. a formal talk that someone…. Learn more.

  7. Speech

    Define speech. speech synonyms, speech pronunciation, speech translation, English dictionary definition of speech. n. 1. a. The faculty or act of speaking. b. The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words....

  8. SPEECH

    Master the word "SPEECH" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

  9. Speech Definition & Meaning

    Britannica Dictionary definition of SPEECH. 1 [count]: a spoken expression of ideas, opinions, etc., that is made by someone who is speaking in front of a group of people. She has to make/give/deliver a speech at the convention. a graduation speech about/on embracing future challenges.

  10. Speech Definition & Meaning

    Speech definition: What is spoken or expressed, as in conversation; uttered or written words.