sermon

American  

[sur-muhn] / ˈsɜr mən /

noun

• sermons
  plural

1. a discourse for the purpose of religious instruction or exhortation, especially one based on a text of Scripture and delivered by a member of the clergy as part of a religious service.

2. any serious speech, discourse, or exhortation, especially on a moral issue.

   Synonyms:

   lecture

3. a long, tedious speech.

   Synonyms:

   tirade, harangue, lecture

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sermon British  

/ ˈsɜːmən /

noun

1. 1. an address of religious instruction or exhortation, often based on a passage from the Bible, esp one delivered during a church service

   2. a written version of such an address

2. a serious speech, esp one administering reproof

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• sermonic
  adjective
• sermonless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• sermons
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of sermon

1150–1200; Middle English < Medieval Latin sermōn- (stem of sermō ) speech from pulpit, Latin: discourse, equivalent to ser- (base of serere to link up, organize) + -mōn- noun suffix

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Compare meaning

How does sermon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• homily vs. sermon

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Explanation

A sermon is a speech, usually religious in nature, given by a priest, preacher, rabbi, or other religious leader as part of a service. Although most sermons focus on Bible passages, you can use the word sermon more generally to refer to any speech that contains a moral lesson. Sports coaches are known to deliver moving sermons, as are teachers and camp counselors. But if you come in late, after missing your curfew, the last thing you want to hear is a sermon by your mom on the importance of keeping your word.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sermon sermons

In a sermon delivered in Italian on Thursday at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the pope suggested machines lack a soul, saying they merely "compile data" quickly.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

D2’s co-owner, Daniel Gowan, said in a guest sermon last year at a Dallas church.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

Fernández’s adaptation is anxious to turn tragedy into a sermon, offering theatergoers moral solace where Sophocles leaves his audience in a contemplative state of stunned silence.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

Rev Bernard Randall was sacked by Trent College in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, in 2019, two months after the sermon.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

Uncle Lige whispered to Papa, “Thet in iteself would be a miracle—hearin’ a sermon ’thout havin’ to pay for it.”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

In addition to filming grill advertisements at the residence, the athlete used a private studio and office space to work on sermons.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026

His church ran a television station called Times TV which would broadcast his sermons from his church in Malindi.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

Talarico’s campaign pointed to the Democrat’s extensive comments about his faith in sermons, speeches and interviews.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

Plus, pastors are turning to AI to write sermons, and the World Cup final is here.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Reverend Hunt says we will have common prayer every morning and evening from now on, and two sermons on Sundays.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

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Related Words

• advice
• exhortation
• homily
• lecture
• lesson
• preaching
• tirade

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