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

Catholics are opting for the Latin Mass, and public intellectual Jordan Peterson’s lectures now sound more like sermons than TED talks. —Mike Woodruff, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

This Shabbat, Rosen gave a short sermon on the importance of breathing freely, both for oneself and for others. —Yonat Shimron, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025

On the morning of Eid, a special prayer and sermon are held, followed by gatherings in parks or large halls where communities come together to celebrate. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Figures like George Wallace, a Christian and proud segregationist, and Bob Jones Sr., founder of Bob Jones University, preached sermons arguing that segregation was divinely ordained. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 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