sermon

noun

ser·​mon ˈsər-mən How to pronounce sermon (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Preachers delivered sermons paying tribute to the fallen leader, which were then reprinted as pamphlets. Eliza McGraw, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2025 People would instead gather in churches to hear sermons focused on the holiday’s importance or host intimate house parties where community mobilization and progress were key topics of discussion. Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Fraser delivers a brimstone sermon worthy of a Baptist preacher at a tent revival, raging at plutocrats who ravage those with less (or nothing at all). Book Marks june 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 What began as a speech reflecting upon a 50-year career in sports journalism quickly became a scorching sermon about the state of sports media and the threats to the free press coming from President Donald Trump. Andrew Kirell, CNN Money, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sermon

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sermon was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sermon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sermon. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sermon

noun
ser·​mon ˈsər-mən How to pronounce sermon (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sermon

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