First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
sermon
noun ser·mon \ˈsər-mən\
: a speech about a moral or religious subject that is usually given by a religious leader
: a serious talk about how someone should behave
Full Definition of SERMON
1
: a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service
2
: a speech on conduct or duty
— ser·mon·ic \ˌsər-ˈmä-nik\ adjective
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Origin of SERMON
Middle English, from Anglo-French sermun, from Medieval Latin sermon-, sermo, from Latin, speech, conversation, from serere to link together — more at series
Related to SERMON
- Synonyms
- homily
SERMON Defined for Kids
sermon
noun ser·mon \ˈsər-mən\
Definition of SERMON for Kids
1
: a speech usually by a priest, minister, or rabbi for the purpose of giving religious instruction
2
: a serious talk to a person about his or her conduct
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