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

Here, the minister wore rainbow stoles and used they/them pronouns, and their sermons tried to answer big philosophical questions. — Jessica Contrera, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Jesus taught his followers by his remarkable example, including innumerable healings, as well as through his sermons and parables. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Best Restaurants Comune Comune approaches plant-forward dining without preaching a sermon of health, using global influences and thoughtful technique to create dishes that remind you how satisfying vegetarian cooking can be. — Rafael Pena, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

What The Smart Ones Are Doing Instead None of this is a doom sermon. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 10 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