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

The board brought in Pam Muise, a pastor who knew Miller as a child, to help preach some sermons. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

His Atlanta sermon comes as political campaigns and outside organizations ramp up voter outreach ahead of elections this fall. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Hamilton said his sermons are in line with beliefs held by the Catholic Church, mainline Christian faiths and some evangelical houses of worship. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Hamilton started the sermon by pointing out that the broad majority of climate scientists agree human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, contributes to global warming by releasing heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 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