stump speech

American  

noun

1. a political campaign speech, especially one made on a campaign tour.

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Usage

What does stump speech come from? A stump speech is a campaign speech—a speech made to encourage people to vote for a politician. The word stump can refer to a platform for making speeches. This use isn’t common, but this sense of the word is commonly used in a figurative way to refer to the place where political campaign speeches are made, especially in the phrase on the stump, as in The senator went out on the stump to try to win re-election. Stump can also be used as a verb meaning to campaign, as in He’s stumping in Iowa today or He has endorsed the senator and will be stumping for her. The term stump speech most often refers to a speech made on a campaign tour. It most commonly refers to a speech made by the politician who’s campaigning, but it can also refer to a speech made in support of that politician. This person can be called a stumper. Example: He uses the same stump speech at every campaign stop—he just changes the name of the city each time. 

Etymology

Origin of stump speech

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

“When I came back our country was dead. Now it’s the hottest country on the planet,” he said in what has become the standard stump speech pickup line.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Last week in Traverse City, Michigan, Vance gave his standard stump speech, which is focused on immigration, the economy and trade.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2024

We’re not so sure how long this joking reference to a meme will remain in the stump speech.

From Slate • Aug. 7, 2024

Harris seemed to relish the opportunity to shine in her first stump speech since her failed presidential bid in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2024

But then Axe muted the volume as he replayed my stump speech, removing my voice so that we could look more closely at my body language, specifically my facial expressions.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama