sermon

American  

[sur-muhn] / ˈsɜr mən /

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

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sermon British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• sermonic adjective
• sermonless adjective

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

Compare meaning

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

• homily vs. sermon

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

The Archbishop of Canterbury will call for an end to "violence and destruction" in the Middle East during her first Easter sermon as leader of the Church of England.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

It’s a sermon we’ve heard plenty of times before and possibly even delivered ourselves.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

One Connecticut pastor in 1784 preached a sermon that compared the Continental Army’s soldiers’ deaths to martyrs whose blood should “be ever treated as sacred.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

"There was a lot of people, it was very solemn, and there was a beautiful sermon about hope. At least let us have that: hope," said local churchgoer Jean-Claude.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

After hymns and prayers came the sermon, a good one today, I thought.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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