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

• 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

Wicks’ sermons tend toward the extreme fire-and-brimstone, vengeance-is-mine variety. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2025

As a result, Jud gets sent to a small-town church, Our Lady of Perpetual Grace, which the resident priest, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), has run into the ground with his fiery sermons. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025

The reality is for the Benedictine Class of 24 and the millions of women watching, Harrison Butker delivered a sermon on women’s limitations. —Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

As for the general thrust of his sermons? —Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025

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