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

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

Rather than a funeral with a sermon and eulogy, Thelma Gibson’s words from her autobiography set the tone for her funeral. —Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

During a weekend swing through West Texas last month, Talarico dropped off the trail long enough to preach at Lubbock’s Covenant Presbyterian, where the faithful hung on every word of his 10-minute sermon. —Philip Elliott, Time, 4 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