First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
speech
noun \ˈspēch\
: a spoken expression of ideas, opinions, etc., that is made by someone who is speaking in front of a group of people
: the ability to speak
: spoken language
Full Definition of SPEECH
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
See speech defined for English-language learners
See speech defined for kids
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Origin of SPEECH
Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, spǣc; akin to Old English sprecan to speak — more at speak
Related to SPEECH
- Synonyms
- address, declamation, harangue, oration, peroration, talk
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
SPEECH Defined for Kids
speech
noun \ˈspēch\
Definition of SPEECH for Kids
1
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
2
: something that is spoken : statement <Indeed, there had been so much talk that the steward … informed one and all that such speech went against the will of God … — Avi, Crispin>
3
: a public talk
4
: a form of communication (as a language or dialect) used by a particular group
5
: a way of speaking <And he was quick to grasp the … rhythms of Lewis's speech and match them. — Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins>
6
: the ability to speak <I was so surprised, I lost my speech.>
Medical Dictionary
speech
noun \ˈspēch\
Medical Definition of SPEECH
: the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
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