1. the ability to speak or the act of speaking
2. a formal talk given to an audience
3. the words that someone says; spoken language

Examples

• The accident affected her speech for several months.
• The president gave a speech about education reform.
• His speech was clear and easy to understand.
• She prepared her graduation speech weeks in advance.
• The child’s speech development was progressing normally.
• Regional speech patterns vary across the country.
• Free speech is protected by the First Amendment.