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

The Pope said his treatment continues and thanked medical staff for their dedication in the text of Sunday’s sermon, which was sent to the press in advance. —Antonia Mortensen, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025

Every day a quarter of the world's population turns to Mecca to pray and listen to sermons. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

The origins of the prayer can be traced back to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who published a version of it in a sermon in 1934. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The big picture: While some Arizona parishioners shared Trump's view of the sermon, the negative response has been far outweighed by support, the Right Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, told Axios. —Erin Alberty, Axios, 6 Feb. 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