What does "preaching" mean?

1. (religious sermon) the act of giving a talk about religion or morals, usually in a church. 2. (moral advice) giving unwanted advice about how someone should live or behave.

How do you use "preaching"?

Often functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the profession or activity in general.

preaching

US //ˈpɹitʃɪŋ// UK //pɹˈiːtʃɪŋ// preach·ing

1 religious sermon (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

the act of giving a talk about religion or morals, usually in a church.

the delivery of a religious sermon or discourse, typically by a member of the clergy.

Example

The priest spent many years preaching to his community in the small village.

Example

His style of preaching was renowned for its intellectual depth and its ability to connect ancient scripture with modern social challenges.

Usage

Often functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the profession or activity in general.
- sermonizing
- ministry
2 moral advice (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

giving unwanted advice about how someone should live or behave.

the act of offering earnest or tedious moral advice, often perceived as condescending or intrusive.

Example

I'm tired of my brother's constant preaching about my diet.

Example

The politician's preaching about family values felt hypocritical to many voters given his own complicated personal history.

Teacher's tip

In modern informal English, this sense often carries a negative connotation of being 'preachy' or annoying.
- moralizing
- lecturing

Origin

From Middle English prechynge.