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

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

One specific date must be the same for all the Muslim's roughly two-billion population: the Day of Arafah, when millions of pilgrims gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to commemorate the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

Leave it to Tom Rothman to tee up CinemaCon, ever the philosopher, with the ultimate sermon that waves the flag for moviegoing. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025

Is it being used to amplify the sermon — or drown it out? —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025

The owner said the dog would be awake and alert until the sermon started. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

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