meaning of speech or address

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Definition of address

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

Definition of address  (Entry 2 of 2)

• contend (with)
• cope (with)
• grapple (with)
• declamation

tact , address , poise , savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others.

tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

Examples of address in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'address.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English adressen "to guide, direct, set in order, mark with a destination," borrowed from Anglo-French adrescer, adresser "to make straight, direct, guide," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad- ) + drescer, dresser "to direct, put right" — more at dress entry 1

in part derivative of address entry 1 , in part borrowed from Middle French adresce, adresse, noun derivative of adrescer, adresser

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3a

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing address

• address book
• form / term of address
• forwarding address
• inside address
• keynote address
• mailing address
• postal address
• public address announcer
• public address system
• return address
• State of the Union address

Dictionary Entries Near address

addressable

Cite this Entry

“Address.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/address. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of address.

Kids Definition of address  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on address

Nglish: Translation of address for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of address for Arabic Speakers

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eb68db_aa95e86885be401e80bcdf435767b63d.mp3

communication,delivery,dialogue,monologue,presentation,speech,talk

discourse,lecture,oration,sermon,statement

speech, silence, listen, refrain

Dictionary definition of address

A formal presentation or discourse delivered by a speaker to an audience. "The president delivered a passionate address to the nation, calling for unity and cooperation."

Detailed meaning of address

It is an organized and purposeful communication that aims to convey information, express opinions, persuade, or inspire. An address typically involves a structured and planned delivery, often given on a specific occasion or to a particular group of people. It can take various forms, such as a public speech, a lecture, a keynote address, or a formal presentation. The purpose of an address may vary, ranging from delivering important messages, sharing insights, providing instructions, raising awareness, commemorating events, or celebrating achievements. It is a powerful means of communication that allows the speaker to connect with their audience, convey their thoughts effectively, and influence or engage listeners through the use of language, gestures, and other forms of rhetorical techniques.

Example sentences of address

1. The president's address captivated the nation with its inspiring message. 2. Her address at the conference was met with thunderous applause. 3. The CEO's annual address outlined the company's future goals. 4. The professor's address on quantum physics was mind-boggling. 5. I need your email address to send you the presentation. 6. The mayor's address focused on improving local infrastructure.

History and etymology of address

The noun 'address' in the context of a formal presentation or discourse has an interesting etymology. It originates from the Old French word 'adréez,' which comes from the Latin phrase 'ad directus.' 'Ad' means 'to' or 'toward,' and 'directus' means 'straight' or 'direct.' So, 'address' originally meant to direct something, like a message or speech, to a particular audience or recipient in a straightforward manner. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to a formal speech or discourse delivered by a speaker to an audience. Its etymology reflects the notion of directing one's words and thoughts purposefully and directly to the intended recipients during a formal presentation.

Find the meaning of address

Further usage examples of address.

1. His address at the wedding brought tears of joy to everyone. 2. The keynote speaker's address left a lasting impression. 3. The commencement address urged graduates to pursue their dreams. 4. Please provide your mailing address for shipping purposes. 5. The address on human rights stirred a global conversation. 6. The minister's address offered hope in challenging times. 7. I can't find the address of that restaurant; let's use GPS. 8. The diplomat's address aimed to foster international cooperation. 9. The comedian's address had the audience in stitches. 10. The CEO's address revealed the company's financial performance. 11. Her address at the rally inspired a sense of unity. 12. The presidential address addressed pressing issues facing the nation. 13. Share your home address so I can send you an invitation. 14. The keynote address at the conference focused on the future of technology and its impact on society. 15. The commencement address inspired graduating students to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world. 16. The address by the CEO outlined the company's strategic goals and vision for the upcoming year. 17. The guest speaker's address shed light on the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. 18. The politician's address resonated with the crowd, promising positive change and addressing key concerns. 19. The professor's address captivated the audience, delving into the intricacies of quantum mechanics. 20. The memorial address honored the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. 21. The teacher's address encouraged students to embrace creativity and think outside the box. 22. The public address system ensured that everyone in the stadium could hear the announcer's messages clearly. 23. The inaugural address of the newly elected mayor outlined the plans for improving the city's infrastructure and public services. 24. The motivational speaker's address inspired the audience to overcome challenges and strive for personal growth.

Quiz categories containing address

Multiple Choice

Opposite Words

Same/different

Spelling Bee

What are the different meanings of address?

The mistake of saying, "I was asked for an address when I was told the address, but it was actually a" speech "sometimes happens. In addition to the well-known meaning of "address," the word address has the meaning of "speech" and "to deal with." Let's take a look at "words that are used in unexpected ways that are different from what you are familiar with," which are often encountered in the business world.

Basics: Beware of the different meanings of simple words

Don't you feel relieved that it's a word you know, and when you say His address was remarkable, you think "his address was remarkable"? When you think about it, it's a bit strange that an address is remarkable, and in fact this address means "speech." Review the meaning of the simple words you should know again and fill in the blanks for the meanings of the following sentences.

Address not "address"

Please listen to Mr. Grant's address. Answer: Speech address means "speech" with a noun or "speech" with a verb.

How do you address the issue? Answer: The coping address can also be used as the verb "to deal with, to work on".

Minutes not "minutes"

Could I have the minutes of the meeting? Answer: Minutes Usually used in the minutes and plural.

Mean not "meaning"

Is there any other means to solve the problems? Answer: If you add s to means means and mean, it becomes "means". The noun "meaning" is meaning.

A body that is not a "body"

Which body is in charge of administration? (Which body is in charge of administration?) Answer: The organizational body can mean "organization, group, institution", and the administrative body is "administrative body" or "administrative body".

Sound that is not "sound"

We should make a sound decision. Answer: Sound Sound is an adjective meaning "healthy, reasonable". It is also used like sound management.

Conversation example

A: How do we address the issue? The time is running up. B: Could I have the minutes of the meeting? I'll talk to the administrative body (Can you give me the minutes of the meeting? I'll talk to the management body.) A: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Advanced: Maybe it's different from what you remembered? How to use it

Those who are relieved that "I know if it is a contract. It means" contract "should be careful. When you say The budget is contracted., It's not "the budget is contracted" but "the budget is reduced". Here are some business-related English words that may be used in a slightly different way than their typical meaning. Please enter the applicable translation in the blank of the meaning of the sentence.

Contract that is not a "contract"

Economy has been contracted. Answer: Shrink Contract is used to mean "shrink, shrink" as well as "contract" and "contract".

Deliver not "deliver"

I'm sure he 'll deliver the result. Answer: The deliver to be delivered has the meaning of "delivering (results)" and "achieving (goals)" in addition to "delivering".

A project that is not a "project"

It's projected that stock prices will go up. Answer: Prediction Project can be used to mean "predict, anticipate" as well as "project, plan".

Production that is not "production"

The new system will be moved into the production environment. Answer: In the production IT world, production is sometimes used to mean "production (used by the user)" rather than "production."

Fabricate not "assemble"

The document is incorporated. Answer: In addition to "assembling parts", "fabricate" is sometimes used to mean "to forge (document)" or "to make up (story)".

A: The data was computed. We have to start all over again. B: Why don't we ask XYZ Inc.? It's projected that they will be able to save. costs. (Why don't you ask XYZ? It's expected to reduce costs) A: That's a good idea. I'm sure they'll deliver the result. prize)

If you want to master unfamiliar words, take advantage of the online English conversation EnglishPhonetics lessons. I don't have any means to get promoted. (I don't have any means to get promoted.), How can I achieve a sound lifestyle? ) And so on.

It is also recommended to study news English with your teacher. Body (institution), contract (reduce), etc. are often heard in English in the news, and can be used as they are at work. Lessons Learn new meanings of words while listening and speaking.

The meanings of the words introduced this time may not be explained in great detail in the dictionary, but if you are a person who usually uses English at work, you can easily guess. If you find a word that you should know, but it feels unnatural when you see it in a sentence, I thought that it might mean something different from what you know, so I introduced it here. Try to remember.

Ready to improve your english accent?

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Eriberto Do Nascimento

Eriberto Do Nascimento has Ph.D. in Speech Intelligibility and Artificial Intelligence and is the founder of English Phonetics Academy.

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Definition of address noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• What's your name and address ?
• I'll give you my address and phone number.
• Is that your home address ?
• Please note my change of address .
• There was no return address on the envelope.
• (especially North American English) Each entry must include a valid mailing address .
• (British English usually) a postal address
• Police found him at an address (= a house or flat) in West London.
• people with no fixed address (= with no permanent home)
• She gave a false address to the police.
• I'm afraid there's nobody called Williams at this address.
• Please inform us of any change of address.
• Please leave a contact address.
• Please write your full postal address.
• at an/​the address
• a change of address
• name and address
• no fixed address

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• What's your email address ?
• The project has a new web address.
• tonight’s televised presidential address
• Several people made speeches at the wedding.
• a lecture on the Roman army
• a course/​series of lectures
• a televised presidential address
• She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.
• to preach a sermon
• a long/​short speech/​lecture/​address/​talk/​sermon
• a keynote speech/​lecture/​address
• to write/​prepare/​give/​deliver/​hear a(n) speech/​lecture/​address/​talk/​sermon
• to attend/​go to a lecture/​talk
• conduct/​hold an election/​a referendum
• (especially North American English) run for office/​election/​governor/​mayor/​president/​the White House
• (especially British English) stand for election/​office/​Parliament/​the Labour Party/​a second term
• hold/​call/​contest a general/​national election
• launch/​run a presidential election campaign
• support/​back a candidate
• sway/​convince/​persuade voters/​the electorate
• appeal to/​attract/​woo/​target (North American English) swing voters/ (British English) floating voters
• fix/​rig/​steal an election/​the vote
• go to/​be turned away from (especially British English) a polling station/ (North American English) a polling place
• cast a/​your vote/​ballot (for somebody)
• vote for the Conservative candidate/​the Democratic party
• mark/​spoil your ballot paper
• count (British English) the postal votes/ (especially North American English) the absentee ballots
• go to/​be defeated at the ballot box
• get/​win/​receive/​lose votes
• get/​win (60% of) the popular/​black/​Hispanic/​Latino/​Muslim vote
• win the election/( in the US ) the primaries/​a seat in Parliament/​a majority/​power
• lose an election/​the vote/​your majority/​your seat
• win/​come to power in a landslide (victory) (= with many more votes than any other party)
• elect/​re-elect somebody (as) mayor/​president/​an MP/​senator/​congressman/​congresswoman
• be sworn into office/​in as president
• take/​administer ( in the US ) the oath of office
• swear/​take ( in the UK ) an/​the oath of allegiance
• give/​deliver ( in the US ) the president’s inaugural address
• take/​enter/​hold/​leave office
• appoint somebody (as) ambassador/​governor/​judge/​minister
• form a government/​a cabinet
• serve two terms as prime minister/​in office
• The union leader gave a short but impassioned public address.
• an address by the Chancellor of the University
• a radio address to the nation
• a public address system
• The Secretary General delivered the keynote address at the conference.
• He gave details of the policy in an address to party members.
• commencement
• in an/​the address
• [uncountable] form/mode of address the correct title, etc. to use when you talk to somebody

Other results

• the Farewell Address
• the Gettysburg Address
• address bars
• address books
• Farewell Address
• Gettysburg Address
• public address systems

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The Gettysburg Address

By: History.com Editors

Updated: March 20, 2023 | Original: August 24, 2010

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered remarks, which later became known as the Gettysburg Address, at the official dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, on the site of one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of the Civil War. Though he was not the featured orator that day, Lincoln’s brief address would be remembered as one of the most important speeches in American history. In it, he invoked the principles of human equality contained in the Declaration of Independence and connected the sacrifices of the Civil War with the desire for “a new birth of freedom,” as well as the all-important preservation of the Union created in 1776 and its ideal of self-government.

Burying the Dead at Gettysburg

From July 1 to July 3, 1863, the invading forces of General Robert E. Lee ’s Confederate Army clashed with the Army of the Potomac (under its newly appointed leader, General George G. Meade ) in Gettysburg, some 35 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania . Casualties were high on both sides: Out of roughly 170,000 Union and Confederate soldiers, there were 23,000 Union casualties (more than one-quarter of the army’s effective forces) and 28,000 Confederates killed, wounded or missing (more than a third of Lee’s army) in the Battle of Gettysburg . After three days of battle, Lee retreated towards Virginia on the night of July 4. It was a crushing defeat for the Confederacy, and a month later the great general would offer Confederate President Jefferson Davis his resignation; Davis refused to accept it.

Did you know? Edward Everett, the featured speaker at the dedication ceremony of the National Cemetery of Gettysburg, later wrote to Lincoln, "I wish that I could flatter myself that I had come as near to the central idea of the occasion in two hours as you did in two minutes."

As after previous battles, thousands of Union soldiers killed at Gettysburg were quickly buried, many in poorly marked graves. In the months that followed, however, local attorney David Wills spearheaded efforts to create a national cemetery at Gettysburg. Wills and the Gettysburg Cemetery Commission originally set October 23 as the date for the cemetery’s dedication, but delayed it to mid-November after their choice for speaker, Edward Everett, said he needed more time to prepare. Everett, the former president of Harvard College, former U.S. senator and former secretary of state, was at the time one of the country’s leading orators. On November 2, just weeks before the event, Wills extended an invitation to President Lincoln, asking him “formally [to] set apart these grounds to their sacred use by a few appropriate remarks.”

Gettysburg Address: Lincoln’s Preparation

Though Lincoln was extremely frustrated with Meade and the Army of the Potomac for failing to pursue Lee’s forces in their retreat, he was cautiously optimistic as the year 1863 drew to a close. He also considered it significant that the Union victories at Gettysburg and at Vicksburg, under General Ulysses S. Grant , had both occurred on the same day: July 4, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence .

When he received the invitation to make the remarks at Gettysburg, Lincoln saw an opportunity to make a broad statement to the American people on the enormous significance of the war, and he prepared carefully. Though long-running popular legend holds that he wrote the speech on the train while traveling to Pennsylvania, he probably wrote about half of it before leaving the White House on November 18, and completed writing and revising it that night, after talking with Secretary of State William H. Seward , who had accompanied him to Gettysburg.

The Historic Gettysburg Address

On the morning of November 19, Everett delivered his two-hour oration (from memory) on the Battle of Gettysburg and its significance, and the orchestra played a hymn composed for the occasion by B.B. French. Lincoln then rose to the podium and addressed the crowd of some 15,000 people. He spoke for less than two minutes, and the entire speech was fewer than 275 words long. Beginning by invoking the image of the founding fathers and the new nation, Lincoln eloquently expressed his conviction that the Civil War was the ultimate test of whether the Union created in 1776 would survive, or whether it would “perish from the earth.” The dead at Gettysburg had laid down their lives for this noble cause, he said, and it was up to the living to confront the “great task” before them: ensuring that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

The essential themes and even some of the language of the Gettysburg Address were not new; Lincoln himself, in his July 1861 message to Congress, had referred to the United States as “a democracy–a government of the people, by the same people.” The radical aspect of the speech, however, began with Lincoln’s assertion that the Declaration of Independence–and not the Constitution–was the true expression of the founding fathers’ intentions for their new nation. At that time, many white slave owners had declared themselves to be “true” Americans, pointing to the fact that the Constitution did not prohibit slavery; according to Lincoln, the nation formed in 1776 was “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” In an interpretation that was radical at the time–but is now taken for granted–Lincoln’s historic address redefined the Civil War as a struggle not just for the Union, but also for the principle of human equality.

Gettysburg Address Text

The full text of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is as follows:

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

"Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Gettysburg Address: Public Reaction & Legacy

On the day following the dedication ceremony, newspapers all over the country reprinted Lincoln’s speech along with Everett’s. Opinion was generally divided along political lines, with Republican journalists praising the speech as a heartfelt, classic piece of oratory and Democratic ones deriding it as inadequate and inappropriate for the momentous occasion.

In the years to come, the Gettysburg Address would endure as arguably the most-quoted, most-memorized piece of oratory in American history. After Lincolns’ assassination in April 1865, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts wrote of the address, “That speech, uttered at the field of Gettysburg…and now sanctified by the martyrdom of its author, is a monumental act. In the modesty of his nature he said ‘the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.’ He was mistaken. The world at once noted what he said, and will never cease to remember it.”

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Definition of address – Learner’s Dictionary

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address noun [C] ( BUILDING DETAILS )

• Once I've found somewhere to live , I'll send you my new address.
• Please print your name and address clearly using capitals .
• Will you give me her address?
• Her address was 57 Park Crescent .
• Please give your name , address and date of birth .

address noun [C] ( ELECTRONIC )

Address noun [c] ( speech ), address verb [t] ( building details ), address verb [t] ( deal with ), address verb [t] ( speak ).

(Definition of address from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of address

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Word of the Day

have irons in the fire

to be involved with many activities or jobs at the same time or to make certain that there are always several possibilities available

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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What is an inaugural address.

Presidents of the United States deliver a plethora of speeches during their time in office. One of the most important of them all is the inaugural address. What is an inaugural address? What is the intention of the speech, why is it so significant, and how can the President be sure to get it right? 

What is an inaugural address?

The inaugural address is the speech delivered by the President following their Oath of Office. It is a chance to speak directly to the nation and provide a clear message about the four years ahead. When well-crafted and delivered effectively, it can give the President a positive start to their first term .

Delivering an Address During an Inauguration

The inaugural address is a massive moment in the long inauguration process. There is a grand ceremony on the western front of the United States Capitol where the President and Vice President are sworn into office to begin the new term. After the oath at noon, the new President delivers their speech to the nation. 

The position of the ceremony allows the President to speak to hundreds of guests in attendance, but also thousands lining the National Mall and the millions watching on TV worldwide. It is no surprise that there is a lot of pressure to get the speech just right. 

Everything from the structure and length of the speech to the tone and eloquence of the delivery falls under a microscope. People will judge the new President based on these words, especially those that voted for the other guy. So, each speech must be bipartisan, inspiring, perfectly composed, and just the right length. 

The Length of an Inaugural Address

There is no specific length for an inaugural address. Presidents can make theirs as long or as short as they want. Some choose the former to make the most of their time and say all they need to say, while others keep it short and sweet. 

President George Washington’s second inaugural address was a good example of keeping things short. As the only person to hold office, there was no precedent in place or any expectation for a long speech and drawn-out speech. So, he said just 135 words, repeated the oath, and returned to work. 

Over the decades, the speech has become a more symbolic moment in the ceremony, with greater expectations over the message and length. When Washington’s Vice President , John Adams, won his election, he delivered a speech of 2308 words – including one 737-word sentence. The longest ever came from William Henry Harrison , with an 8,445-word address in the pouring rain. 

Quality Over Quantity Helps With a Good Inaugural Address

The length of a speech is nowhere near as important as the message within. We will probably forget how long we spent waiting for a speech to end but will share quotes and videos from a good speech for a long time. So, each new President has to ensure that they set out their goals and principles in an appropriately presidential manner without going too far. 

Franklin D Roosevelt was a good example of one who knew when to keep things short and to the point. His fourth address did not overstay its welcome at just 559 words. By this point, the nation knew the man and his ideals as he had been elected to a historic fourth term. On top of that, Roosevelt was keen to keep things simple with a basic ceremony at the White House due to America’s involvement in World War II. 

Creating a Strong Bipartisan Address

An inauguration marks a new chapter in the nation’s history, so it makes sense for the President to highlight this after taking the oath. Some will reflect on the chance to make improvements for the nation or to lead them out of times of trouble. Others will reaffirm their desire to continue their hard work and dedication for a second term. 

Ideally, these speeches should be bipartisan. This isn’t a time to talk down to the opposition in victory or to talk about all the ways a previous administration failed the nation. Doing so runs the risk of causing a divide in the crowds of people watching – either at the National Mall or on TV. 

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President Joe Biden’s 2021 address is a good example of this with its opening lines. “This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve.” This speech set a strong positive tone, whereas his predecessor, Donald Trump’s speech, was criticized for its bleak and dystopian outlook. 

Who Writes the Presidential Inaugural Address?

You might assume that the President is the one to write the speech if it is such an important moment for them to articulate their vision and goals. However, the scale of the occasion and scrutiny of the speech means that this isn’t always the case. In the past, the first presidents undoubtedly did spend hours penning their own speeches, but not today.

The idea of the political speech writer is not such a big deal these days. We know that the White House has a communications team to create important speeches – often with multiple versions depending on a desired tone or outcome. They have been in use since the days of Calvin Coolidge . 

Therefore, it makes sense that this grand public address is another writer’s work. They are typically skilled and trusted members of the President’s team who can take the ideas and references given by the President and spin them into gold. 

The Inaugural Address Will Always Be an Important Moment in the Presidency

There will always be debate over who created the best or worst inaugural addresses in history. Often, the oratory skills of the man elevate the words into something even more profound. What is clear is that these speeches have great power, and each President must get it just right. Otherwise, the inauguration day address will go into the history books for all the wrong reasons. 

Alicia Reynolds

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