homily

[ hom-uh-lee ]

noun

, plural hom·i·lies.

1. a sermon, usually on a Biblical topic and usually of a nondoctrinal nature.
2. an admonitory or moralizing discourse.
3. an inspirational saying or cliché.

homily

/ ˈhɒmɪlɪ /

noun

1. a sermon or discourse on a moral or religious topic
2. moralizing talk or writing

Derived Forms

• ˈhomilist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of homily¹

1545–55; < Late Latin homīlia < Greek homīlía assembly, sermon, equivalent to hómīl ( os ) crowd ( hom ( oû ) together + -īlos, masculine combining form of ī́lē (feminine) crowd) + -ia -y ³; replacing Middle English omelie < Middle French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of homily¹

C14: from Church Latin homīlia, from Greek: discourse, from homilein to converse with, from homilos crowd, from homou together + ilē crowd

Example Sentences

The Rev. James Anguiano, moderator of the Curia and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, delivered a homily in Spanish and English.

From Los Angeles Times

In his brief homily, delivered off-the-cuff, Francis explained the meaning of the gesture.

From Seattle Times

Francis had been expected to deliver a homily halfway through the service and a prepared text had been distributed to journalists.

From Seattle Times

We follow Thiên as he tries to make sense of his place in the world, a journey that at one point brings him into contact with an older woman who speaks in cryptic homilies.

From Los Angeles Times

The consecrated women who tended to Benedict during his pontificate and retirement recorded the homilies as he delivered them, and have now transcribed them for publication by the Vatican’s publishing house.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• lecture