homiletics

[ hom-uh-let-iks ]

/ ˌhɒm əˈlɛt ɪks /

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noun (used with a singular verb)

the art of preaching; the branch of practical theology that treats of homilies or sermons.

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Origin of homiletics

First recorded in 1820–30; see origin at homiletic, -ics

Words nearby homiletics

homicidal, homicide, homicide bomber, homie, homiletic, homiletics, homiliary, homilist, homily, homing, homing device

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use homiletics in a sentence

White America got a crash course in black homiletics in the “I Have a Dream” speech.
Why Black Preachers Are Better|Howell Raines|January 22, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Its function as a species of popular homiletics made it necessary to appeal to the emotions.
Chapters on Jewish Literature|Israel Abrahams
These subjects he has continued to teach ever since, with the addition, since 1872, of Homiletics.
The Canadian Portrait Gallery Volume 3|John Charles Dent
Ideals are useful (a) in homiletics, which are chiefly occupied with attempts at suggestion.
Folkways|William Graham Sumner

His Homiletics and Pastoral Theology have already become text-books in many theological seminaries.
History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology|John F. Hurst
Moral homiletics have since old done precious little good with the ruling class, and they will do no better in the future.
Woman under socialism|August Bebel

British Dictionary definitions for homiletics

homiletics

/ (ˌhɒmɪˈlɛtɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the art of preaching or writing sermons

Word Origin for homiletics

C17: from Greek homilētikos cordial, from homilein to converse with; see homily

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012