sermon

[sur-muhn]

noun

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

sermon

/ ˈsɜːmən, sɜːˈmɒnɪk /

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

Other Word Forms

• sermonless adjective
• sermonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon¹

C12: via Old French from Latin sermō discourse, probably from serere to join together

Example Sentences

Her greatest moment may be the spoken, but her accusatory horror at gun violence is something that takes a powerful opera singer to turn into a sermon from which it is impossible to turn away.

From Los Angeles Times

In the days after his death, AI-generated audio clips of Kirk styled as “sermons” began circulating online, while supporters shared Bible verses that they claimed matched the exact timing of his passing.

From Salon

When White wins a game while suffering a nasty injury, Cameron’s father seizes the moment to deliver a sermon: “That’s what real men do,” he insists.

From Los Angeles Times

And yet, the sport is treated by its fans as if it were biblically potent; each game a sermon, every play a piece of scripture.

From Salon

It’s populism in the language of a Sunday sermon, something that could appeal in a place like Texas.

From Salon

Related Words

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