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

For Cutié, his Sunday sermon won’t necessarily focus on Cuba’s recent developments. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Revolt did not begin and end with a single sermon in Virginia or a planned uprising in Charleston. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026

Friday prayer leaders often deliver sermons aligned with government messaging. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Inside were sermons, political tracts, and educational booklets. —Regina E. Mason, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 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