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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:

That she is remembered for wanting to "bring communities together" has its roots in her maiden speech in the House of Commons.

From BBC Jun. 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 27, 2026

Making her maiden speech in the House of Lords, Baroness Gray said that the UK needs "public servants to succeed".

From BBC Sep. 2, 2025

In her maiden speech in the House of Commons in 2010, she vowed to fight for "jobs, growth and prosperity" - likely centrepieces of Labour's first Budget in nearly 15 years, on 30 October.

From BBC Oct. 25, 2024

When Parliament met in 1859, an amendment was moved to the Address in a maiden speech from Lord Hartington, which was carried after a three nights’ debate, Mr. Gladstone voting with the Government. 

From The Real Gladstone an Anecdotal Biography by J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie

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