free speech
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of free speech
An Americanism dating back to 1840–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Numerous Jewish artists came to Ruffalo’s defense, saying his free speech rights were being squelched.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
The artists argued that Macklemore's removal represented a chilling effect on free speech.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
“I find it absolutely remarkably insane that journalists are still latching onto something, someone who has given people free speech in this country,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
For a decade, Mr. Daniels kept tuition in check, promoted free speech and intellectual diversity, and opened the campus to in-person teaching when many other schools resorted to pandemic lockdowns.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
“Over to Bub’s one day, Karl said the man had the right to say such things. Said it was free speech and all that.”
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
