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

Looking like a mash-up between a religious sermon and an eye exam, those bottles now sit in the aisles of Walmart, Target, Costco and Whole Foods, selling roughly one unit every two seconds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Meanwhile, Sunday marked the first time the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally delivered an Easter sermon.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

An imam standing on a plastic stool delivered a short sermon.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Ever since Miss Love started playing for preachin’, folks had sung out good, patting their feet and generally getting in shape to shout and amen during the sermon.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

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