sermon
/ˈsɜː.mən/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: sermons
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Religious discourse; a written or spoken address on a religious or moral matter.
Noun
Examples
One saint's day in mid-term a certain newly appointed suffragan-bishop came to the school chapel, and there preached on “The Inner Life.” He at once secured attention by his informal method, and when presently the coughing of Jarvis […] interrupted the sermon, he altogether captivated his audience w
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A lengthy speech of reproval.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sermon” mean?
Religious discourse; a written or spoken address on a religious or moral matter.
Is “sermon” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.