sermon
Americannoun
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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.
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any serious speech, discourse, or exhortation, especially on a moral issue.
- Synonyms:
- lecture
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a long, tedious speech.
noun
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an address of religious instruction or exhortation, often based on a passage from the Bible, esp one delivered during a church service
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a written version of such an address
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a serious speech, esp one administering reproof
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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:
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.
Vocabulary lists containing sermon
Because of Winn-Dixie
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My Life with the Chimpanzees
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Dear Martin
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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.
That is basically the entire Sermon on the Mount.
From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026
The principles of Christian service that she promoted can be found in the Sermon on the Mount and Mathew 25.
From Salon • Aug. 18, 2024
And if neither plays, former practice squad players Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson will see if they can replicate what they did last week - a combined 28 carries for 157 yards.
From Washington Times • Dec. 21, 2023
Rapper Erick Sermon posted on Instagram that “This one hurts. From Long Island from one of the best rap groups in Hiphop # Delasoul #plug2 Dave has passed away you will be missed… RIP.”
From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2023
I wanted to be the person who wrote with such a passion that all people would turn away from injustice and embrace the Sermon on the Mount.
From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers
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.
