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

Not like brushing shoulders with Lil Baby and Lil Yachty is a musical death sentence (Veeze is still tearing it up), but for a rapper who specialized in free-flowing street sermons, that slight touch of formalism and structure depletes the vibe. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

The two sermons explore the Old Testament story of the Witch of Endor, in which King Saul consults a witch before a battle against the Philistines. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Giving Nora an interest in antiquity turns her into a fountain of solemn speeches, including a sermon on the various ancient Greek terms for different kinds of rage. — Alison Herman, Variety, 27 July 2026

Campaign signs are plastered across the district, town halls have been hosted, endorsements bestowed, Sunday sermons preached. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 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