preaching

[ pree-ching ]

noun

1. the act or practice of a person who preaches.
2. the art of delivering sermons.
3. a sermon.
4. a public religious service with a sermon.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling preaching:

   a preaching tone of voice.

Other Words From

• preaching·ly adverb
• non·preaching adjective noun
• un·preaching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preaching¹

1225–75; Middle English preching (gerund); preach, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Given Bren Smith’s background, his preaching comes with a bit of an edge.

From Freakonomics

While preaching D.A.R.E. in schools, we made a drug out of external validation.

From The Daily Beast

These newspapers are preaching to the converted; Republicans read Republican papers.

From The Daily Beast

The elders recommended that Driscoll step down as preaching pastor and only return when the elders believed he was ready.

From The Daily Beast

Much of the series was turned over to moralistic preaching about the evils of premarital sex.

From The Daily Beast

Naturally, this has doomsayers preaching that the end is nigh.

From The Daily Beast

The spread of the holy gospel and uninterrupted preaching went on until the return of the ambassador.

From Project Gutenberg

I felt just the same when I was married myself; but it's nothing to preaching one's first sermon.

From Project Gutenberg

I gib ten dollars toward de stated preaching ob de Gospel de fus' year, and de peepil all call me Brudder Dickson.

From Project Gutenberg

Some in our valley think his heavy crops come from his six days of labor, and some from his one day of preaching.

From Project Gutenberg

On one occasion he took the liberty, while preaching, to denounce a rich man in the community, recently deceased.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sermon
• teaching