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

Example Sentences

He retained his devotion to Judaism in various forms, attended a variety of synagogues and sometimes chanted biblical verses or gave guest sermons.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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

In fact, according to Romney, most of the family wrote, whether poetry, sermons, plays, or fiction.

From Los Angeles Times

After a year’s forced hiatus, Kharouf went back to work for Syria’s religious endowments ministry, giving approved sermons to his congregation.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The feelings are mixed. Every word of the pastor's sermon made us want to cry," he told AFP after the Christmas mass.

From Barron's

Related Words

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