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maiden speech

American  

noun

  1. the first speech made in a legislature by a newly elected member.


Etymology

Origin of maiden speech

First recorded in 1785–95


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.

See Examples For:

Ms. Sherrill used her maiden speech to lay out her plans to ease electric rates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 27, 2026

In his maiden speech as finance minister he famously quoted Victor Hugo, saying that "no power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come".

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2024

His maiden speech was an attack on Winston Churchill, who he saw as the main enemy of the miners.

From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2024

In his maiden speech as speaker, Johnson said the word God seven times.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2023

His maiden speech had attracted neither notice nor envy.

From Chippinge Borough by Stanley J. Weyman

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