sermon

Everyday

1. (church) A sermon is a talk given by a priest, minister or preacher during a religious service, explaining the Bible or teaching how to live. tree →
2. (informal) A sermon is a long, boring telling-off or lecture about how to behave. tree →

In the lessons

In church the sermon (Catholics often say homily) comes after the Bible readings; it may be short or long. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount includes the Beatitudes ("Blessed are the meek…") and the Lord's Prayer. At home children joke when a parent gives "a sermon" about tidying up. Phrases: preach a sermon, give a sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, a sermon about…

Examples

• The vicar's sermon was about being kind to strangers. tree →
• Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on a hillside. tree →
• Grandpa fell asleep during the sermon. tree →
• The minister's sermon was only five minutes long today. tree →
• I got a sermon from Dad about leaving my bike in the rain. tree →
• In his sermon, the priest talked about forgiveness. tree →
• "It was a good sermon to-day," the man said at last. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: preach (preached). The person: preacher. Informal sense is a little rude about the speaker, so use it jokingly.