# homily

/ˈhɑməɫi/ (US) · /hˈɒməlˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/homily
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a short talk about morals or religion, often given in church during a service. People also use it for any serious talk that tells you how to live a good life.

For teachers: a short sermon on a moral or religious topic, typically delivered as part of a Christian church service. Extended to any lengthy moralizing discourse on proper conduct.

## Examples

- The priest gives a short homily every Sunday.
- The priest ends the service with a brief homily about helping neighbours during the winter.
- What began as a wedding toast slowly turned into a homily on patience, and the guests listened with polite smiles as the speaker listed decades of marital advice.

## Synonyms

sermon

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.