# sermon

/ˈsɝmən/ (US) · /sˈɜːmən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sermon
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. religious talk

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The priest gave a short sermon about the importance of helping your neighbours.
- The bishop delivered a moving sermon that explored the intersection of ancient scripture and modern social challenges.

### 2. long lecture

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- I asked my dad for some money, but I just got a long sermon about saving.
- After arriving home two hours past her curfew, she had to endure a stern sermon from her parents regarding responsibility and trust.

## Examples

- The priest gave a short sermon about kindness.
- After I came home late for the third time, my father gave me a long sermon about responsibility.
- The minister's sermon focused on the intersection of ancient parables and modern ethical dilemmas, urging the congregation to find contemporary relevance in the traditional texts.

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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.