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

• homily

Example Sentences

He preached a sermon on the importance of kindness.

Dad gave me a sermon yesterday about doing my homework.

Recent Examples on the Web

His charisma, coupled with his command of English, attracted hundreds of people to his sermons. —Brynn Gingras, CNN, 23 Mar. 2023

During his 2008 presidential campaign, Senator John McCain rejected Mr. Hagee’s endorsement after a watchdog group unearthed a sermon in which Mr. Hagee had described Hitler and the Holocaust as part of God’s plan for bringing the Jews to Palestine. —Charles Homans, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2023

Rising to the full height of her slim, 5-foot-7 frame, the 49-year-old ordained minister and psychologist smiled wide at the congregation before launching into her sermon — part preacherly rapture, part group therapy. —Deborah Netburnstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2023

In a sermon commemorating Trans Day of Visibility in 2021, Allison likened the plight of transgender people to the suffering of martyrs mentioned in the 11th chapter of Hebrews in the New Testament. —Jon Brown, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2023

That was the question that repeatedly bubbled up when Dallin Oaks, who essentially is the prophet-in-waiting in the faith’s red-chair hierarchy, gave his sermon during the church’s most recent General Conference. —Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 July 2022

Many of the visions from the past are juxtaposed with that reading, including a more-or-less 19th century pastor who gives a fiery sermon. —Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Mar. 2023

There are also small seat-back TVs with limited viewing options – on this trip: Paw Patrol, Formula E racing or an Islamic sermon. —Lilit Marcus, CNN, 30 Mar. 2023

This is similar to the Protestantism and Catholicism in the Middle Ages, where a central authority delivered lessons and edicts, often by text or sermon. —Ted Ladd, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023

See More

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

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