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 of sermon

• lesson
• speech
• homily
• lecture

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

Competitive balance is a convenient sermon from owners who too often treat contention as optional. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Speeches and sermons circulated widely, helping create a national political identity before the nation itself formally existed. —Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026

The fight picked up momentum last week when Rabbi Rachel Timoner, a prominent progressive Jewish leader and ally of Mayor Mamdani, delivered a sermon denouncing the boycott push at the popular Congregation Beth Elohim temple on Eighth Ave. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026

During Muharram’s mourning period, Shiʿis gather in assemblies to hear preachers offer sermons, relate the life of Ḥusayn, and recount the events of the Battle of Karbala. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026

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

Rhymes for sermon

• birman
• burman
• ermine
• firman
• german
• kirman
• spermine
• termen
• termine
• vermin
• determine
• predetermine

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