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

In addition, McLaren will deliver the morning sermon at two churches on Sunday, Feb. 23. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Crystal Palace supporters especially will need few sermons. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

From deconstructed pianos to sensory deprivation rooms that play her sermons to colorful laser projections, Coltrane’s legacy is in the hands of these American artists. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Óscar Romero, the Roman Catholic archbishop of San Salvador, preached radio sermons criticizing the government and army for violence and oppression of the poor in El Salvador during a national civil war. —Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 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