noun
speed
speed
noun
1
How fast something moves, or the rate at which something happens.
"The train reached a top speed of 200 miles per hour."
"They increased the speed of production to meet demand."
2
Amphetamine, especially used as an illegal stimulant drug.
"He admitted he used to take speed to stay awake on long shifts."
verb
1
To go fast, or to drive faster than the legal limit.
"She was fined for speeding on the motorway."
"The ambulance sped through the empty streets."
How to Use Speed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow quickly something moves or happens; also slang for amphetamine.
Common pairings
top speed
speed limit
pick up speed
at full speed
Word Forms
sped past tense, speeded past tense, speeds plural, Speeds plural, speeds singular
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Etymology
From Old English spēd ("success, prosperity"). Originally meant "good luck" or "success" — the "fast movement" sense developed later, still visible in the old phrase "Godspeed."