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 of sermon

• lesson
• speech
• homily
• lecture

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

His sermon is filled with hope. —Irene Gonzalez, CBS News, 2 May 2026

What's interesting is the gap between the sermon and the behavior. —Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Among other things, the team brainstormed ways to add comedic zest to a best man’s speech, a fan letter, a sermon and an apology. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 May 2026

Even when the Lord’s name was left out, Stanley speeches sounded like sermons. —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

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