sermon

[ sur-muhn ]

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

sermon

/ 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

Derived Forms

• sermonic, adjective

Other Words From

• sermon·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon¹

C12: via Old French from Latin sermō discourse, probably from serere to join together

Example Sentences

Smyth was a prominent barrister as well as a lay preacher - a member of the congregation who delivers sermons but is not ordained - who ran summer camps for young Christians.

From BBC

In Luke 19:1-10, he spots Zacchaeus, the hated tax farmer, climbing a tree to watch one of his sermons, and singles him out.

From Salon

They cannot alienate thousands of ordinary citizens looking for a good time, not a sermon.

From BBC

Soon enough, Barrett and his staff were similarly targeted, facing threats as soon as the judge’s fiery sentencing sermon took off on television and the internet.

From Los Angeles Times

Guests were dressed in sparkly sequins, a 20-piece orchestra raised the roof and Dawn French - as the Vicar of Dibley - gave a sermon at the lectern.

From BBC

Related Words

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