sermon

noun

ser·​mon ˈsər-mən 

1

: a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a member of the clergy as a part of a worship service

2

: a speech on conduct or duty

sermonic

ˌsər-ˈmä-nik 

adjective

Synonyms

• homily

Examples of sermon in a Sentence

He preached a sermon on the importance of kindness.

Dad gave me a sermon yesterday about doing my homework.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fifty years before TikTok appeared in the app store, Hagin began broadcasting his sermons over the radio and selling reel-to-reel tapes to anyone willing to pay for them. —Laura Bullard, Vox, 20 Sep. 2024

Are there responsibilities that should be left to humans—including writing sermons, interpreting texts, and generating Bible discussion questions? —Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 3 Sep. 2024

Mackenzie sang in the choir and gave guest sermons as a child. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

On the loudspeakers, religious leaders and imams gave sermons and blessings for the deceased. —Zeena Saifi, CNN, 28 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sermun, from Medieval Latin sermon-, sermo, from Latin, speech, conversation, from serere to link together — more at series

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sermon

noun

ser·​mon ˈsər-mən 

1

: a public speech usually by a priest, minister, or rabbi for the purpose of giving religious instruction

2

: a speech on conduct or duty