What does "sermon" mean?

1. (religious talk) a talk given by a priest or religious leader during a church service about a moral or religious subject. 2. (long lecture) a long, serious, and often boring talk where someone tells you what you are doing wrong.

sermon

US //ˈsɝmən// UK //sˈɜːmən// ser·mon

1 religious talk (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

a talk given by a priest or religious leader during a church service about a moral or religious subject.

a discourse delivered by a member of the clergy during a religious service, typically based on a text from scripture.

Example

The priest gave a short sermon about the importance of helping your neighbours.

Example

The bishop delivered a moving sermon that explored the intersection of ancient scripture and modern social challenges.
- homily
- address
- preaching
2 long lecture (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

a long, serious, and often boring talk where someone tells you what you are doing wrong.

a lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation regarding a person's conduct.

Example

I asked my dad for some money, but I just got a long sermon about saving.

Example

After arriving home two hours past her curfew, she had to endure a stern sermon from her parents regarding responsibility and trust.

Etymology 1

From Middle English sermoun, from Anglo-Norman sermun and/or Old French sermon, from Latin sermō, sermōnem, from Proto-Indo-European sermō, from ser- (“to bind”) + *-mō.

Etymology 2

From Middle English sermonen, from Old French sermoner, from sermon (see above).