preach

verb

ˈprēch 

preached; preaching; preaches

intransitive verb

1

: to deliver a sermon

2

: to urge acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action

specifically : to exhort in an officious or tiresome manner

transitive verb

1

: to set forth in a sermon

preach the gospel

2

: to advocate earnestly

preached revolution

3

: to deliver (something, such as a sermon) publicly

4

: to bring, put, or affect by preaching

preached the … church out of debt

—Amer. Guide Series: Va.

preachingly

ˈprē-chiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• sermonize

Examples of preach in a Sentence

Have you ever heard that minister preach?

The minister preached to the congregation about the need for tolerance.

His followers listened to him preach the gospel.

The priest preached a regular sermon that Sunday.

Their mother has always preached the value of a good education.

Practice what you preach—don't smoke if you tell your children not to smoke.

The mayor continues to preach about the need for patience.

I don't like being preached at about how I should live my life.

Recent Examples on the Web

More consequential, but less discussed, is the salvation doctrine both of them preach. —Ryan Streeter, National Review, 8 Apr. 2024

Throughout the offseason, into the summer and extending to the start of training camp and beyond, Harbaugh will preach the importance of toughness, of running the ball, particularly with the presence of Justin Herbert. —Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

Kerr has been preaching how important every player’s first three steps are when a possession changes. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024

Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, is preaching a much different narrative: A more complicated international environment makes a place like Hong Kong essential. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 27 Mar. 2024

And, at the same time, Imam al-Qazwini is preaching harm reduction to his congregation, encouraging youth to return to the mosque. —Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024

Listening instead of preaching is a skill that can be taught. —Martina Seferovic, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Its pastors preach a different approach to spiritual life, one that’s plain to see this time of year, during the holiest days on the Christian calendar. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024

Just recently, Winans helped bring rival gang members known as the 4s and 5s together within Detroit schools to preach peace in the aftermath of a brutal January drive-by shooting of 11-year-old Latrelle Mines in the city's east side. —Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prechen, from Anglo-French precher, from Late Latin praedicare, from Latin, to proclaim, make known, from prae- pre- + dicare to proclaim — more at diction

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing preach

• preach to the converted
• preach to the choir

Kids Definition

preach

verb

ˈprēch 

1

a

: to deliver a sermon : utter publicly

b

: to set forth in a sermon

preach the gospel

2

: to urge publicly : advocate

preach brotherhood