I. ˈsərmən, ˈsə̄m, ˈsəim-, dial ˈsärm-, ˈsȧm- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English sermonen, from Old French sermoner, from sermon
transitive verb
archaic : to preach to
intransitive verb
archaic : preach
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin sermon-, sermo speech, conversation, religious discourse, from Latin, speech, conversation, from serere to join, link together — more at series
1. obsolete : discourse , talk
2.
a. : a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service
preached his maiden sermon last Sunday
b. : a written discourse delivered or intended for delivery as a sermon
a book of sermons
3.
a. : a serious address : a lecture on conduct or duty : homily
going around the country preaching sermons on the need of defending the freedom of the mind — Elmer Davis
the usual sermon by the teacher … on “why you should like to go to school” — H.C.McKown
such little sermons on intelligent marketing are part of the instruction — New Yorker
b. : an annoying harangue
didn't ask for a sermon on the subject
4. : a person or thing whose nature suggests edifying thoughts
sermons in stones — Shakespeare
her story is a sermon warning men against a devotion to lust — F.N.Magill