sermon

/ˈsʌrmən/

/ˈsʌmən/

Other forms: sermons

A sermon is a speech, usually religious in nature, given by a priest, preacher, rabbi, or other religious leader as part of a service.

Although most sermons focus on Bible passages, you can use the word sermon more generally to refer to any speech that contains a moral lesson. Sports coaches are known to deliver moving sermons, as are teachers and camp counselors. But if you come in late, after missing your curfew, the last thing you want to hear is a sermon by your mom on the importance of keeping your word.

Definitions of sermon

1. noun

   an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
   synonyms: discourse, preaching

   examples:

   Sermon on the Mount

   the first major discourse delivered by Jesus (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6:20-49)

   types:

   baccalaureate

   a farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies

   kerugma, kerygma

   preaching the gospel of Christ in the manner of the early church

   evangelism

   zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel

   homily, preachment

   a sermon on a moral or religious topic

   televangelism

   evangelism at a distance by the use of television

   type of:

   address, speech

   the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
2. noun

   a moralistic rebuke
   synonyms: preaching

   type of:

   lecture, speech, talking to

   a lengthy rebuke