homily
Americannoun
plural
homilies-
a sermon, usually on a Biblical topic and usually of a nondoctrinal nature.
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an admonitory or moralizing discourse.
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an inspirational saying or cliché.
noun
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a sermon or discourse on a moral or religious topic
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moralizing talk or writing
Other Word Forms
- homilist noun
Etymology
Origin of homily
1545–55; < Late Latin homīlia < Greek homīlía assembly, sermon, equivalent to hómīl ( os ) crowd ( hom ( oû ) together + -īlos, masculine combining form of ī́lē (feminine) crowd) + -ia -y 3; replacing Middle English omelie < Middle French < Latin, as above
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In his Palm Sunday homily last week, Pope Leo said that Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
In his Palm Sunday homily, the Pope said God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
In the Ash Wednesday Mass, this bracing mandate is followed by a homily from the priest.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
Gomez addressed the burden of fear and anxiety caused by immigration enforcement during the homily.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025
The homily and marriage sentences were said, at Bono’s request, by Dr. Trefusis.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
