WordGarden.iosermon
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɜːmən/
US
- /ˈsɜrmən/
Meanings
Noun
a religious talk, especially one given during a church service
a long moralizing talk telling someone how to behave
Beyond the definition
A sermon is not just any long speech. It is usually a talk given in a religious setting, especially in a church, to teach, guide, or encourage people. You can think of it as a thoughtful message about how to live, what to believe, or how to understand a passage from a holy book. Even when it sounds serious, it usually aims to help rather than simply scold.
The word is also used more broadly for an earnest talk about behavior. A parent, teacher, or friend might give you "a little sermon" about honesty, money, or responsibility. In that wider sense, it often feels a bit like a lecture, but the idea is still that someone is trying to offer guidance.
A sermon is a formal discourse delivered publicly, typically in a religious context, with the intention of offering spiritual guidance or moral instruction. Traditionally, sermons are based on scripture and aim to interpret sacred texts for a modern congregation. However, the term has broadened significantly over time.
While most commonly associated with Christianity, the practice exists in many faiths—from Islamic khutbahs to Buddhist Dhamma talks. These are rarely just dry lectures; they often involve storytelling, personal anecdotes, and appeals to emotion as well as intellect. A powerful sermon aims to inspire listeners to live more meaningful lives, encouraging them to reflect deeply on their beliefs and actions.
Beyond religious contexts, "sermon" is often used figuratively to describe a lengthy and earnest speech offering advice or criticism—often of the unsolicited variety! For example, you might say a friend "gave you a bit of a sermon" about your lifestyle choices. This usage implies the speaker feels strongly about the topic and wants to impart their convictions, even if the listener isn't entirely receptive.
The word "sermon" comes from the Old French sermon, which derives from the Latin sermo, meaning "talk" or "discourse." It carries a weight of tradition and authority, suggesting a deliberate attempt to communicate important truths. Whether delivered from a pulpit or over a dinner table, a sermon is ultimately a call to live a more thoughtful, principled, and informed life.
Examples
- 1
Church service
The pastor's sermon on forgiveness was shorter than usual.
- 2
Arrival
We arrived late and missed most of the sermon.
- 3
Online listening
She listened to the sermon again online that evening.
- 4
Published sermons
The church has published a book of his Easter sermons.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Moral criticism
When I admitted I’d forgotten her birthday, my sister gave me a sermon about being more thoughtful.
- Phrasegive someone a sermon
talk to them in a serious, moralizing way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- preach a sermon
- deliver a sermon
- Sunday sermon
- sermon on
Word family
- sermonize
- sermonic
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sermonnoun
Forms
- sermonspluralnoun