noun
preacher
PREE-chur/ˈpriːtʃər/
Someone who publicly teaches religious beliefs through sermons.
The preacher delivers a sermon about kindness to the congregation.
Etymology
A preacher is historically a public proclaimer. The related verb came to mean proclaiming the Gospel and delivering sermons, giving the noun its specifically religious sense.
In context
the greatest preacher, greatest religious preacher, was a man called John Wesley, who went up and down this country delivering sermons, advising people how they could live.
More examples
- Our church invites a guest preacher to speak on Sunday.
- Several preachers speak at the outdoor worship service.
- She hopes to become a preacher after studying theology.
Forms
preacher · preachers
preach verb — To teach religious beliefs through a sermon.