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

Beale’s sermon on the primetime mount remains one of the most famous monologues in movie history. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2026

Springfield, Ohio — On a recent Sunday morning, Pastor Carl Ruby gave his sermon, greeted congregants and then headed to his office to speak with the FBI. —Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026

But Jackson often visited Central Florida, giving stem-winding sermons in Eatonville or Parramore focused on threats to voting rights and the dangers of gun violence. —The Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026

In 2018, Jackson delivered a fiery sermon inside Bright Hope Baptist Church in North Philadelphia. —Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 17 Feb. 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