sermon

noun

ser·​mon ˈsər-mən How to pronounce sermon (audio)
1
: a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a member of the clergy as a part of a worship service
2
: a speech on conduct or duty
sermonic adjective

Examples of sermon in a Sentence

He preached a sermon on the importance of kindness. Dad gave me a sermon yesterday about doing my homework.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Slate says that, in 1905, an issue of The Cambrian, a magazine for Welsh Americans, featured an anecdote involving a priest who, following a service, pulled a clerk aside to ask whether his sermon had been long enough. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Stanley addressed Mohler near the beginning of his sermon. John Blake, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 On the Sunday after in-person church services in California shut down because of the pandemic, Steven Rodriguez stood behind his pulpit in a suit and tie and preached to about 100 empty seats for a prerecorded online sermon. Autumn Alvarez, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024 Pastors are best equipped to build that bridge, Lyons added, as people in a community turn to their church leaders for weekly sermons, celebratory family gatherings and times of crisis. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sermon 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sermun, from Medieval Latin sermon-, sermo, from Latin, speech, conversation, from serere to link together — more at series

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sermon was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near sermon

Cite this Entry

“Sermon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sermon. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sermon

noun
ser·​mon ˈsər-mən How to pronounce sermon (audio)
1
: a public speech usually by a priest, minister, or rabbi for the purpose of giving religious instruction
2
: a speech on conduct or duty

More from Merriam-Webster on sermon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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