sermon

noun

ser·​mon ˈsər-mən How to pronounce sermon (audio)
Synonyms of sermonnext
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
ˌsər-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce sermon (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of sermon

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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.
At issue is a 2022 sermon, reposted on X after Hamilton won the Democratic primary in August. — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 People of faith often embraced his work, and preachers sometimes cited it in sermons. — Courier Journal Staff, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Sep. 2026 The board brought in Pam Muise, a pastor who knew Miller as a child, to help preach some sermons. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 His Atlanta sermon comes as political campaigns and outside organizations ramp up voter outreach ahead of elections this fall. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for sermon

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Browse Nearby Words

sermo generalis
sermon
sermonary
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Cite this Entry

“Sermon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sermon. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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