Simple Definition of homily
: a usually short talk on a religious or moral topic
: advice that is often not wanted
Full Definition of homily
1 : a usually short sermon
2 : a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme
3 : an inspirational catchphrase; also : platitude
Examples of homily in a sentence
The priest gave a brief homily on forgiveness.
We had to listen to another one of his homilies about the value of public service.
a politician with a fondness for homily
Did You Know?
Gather around for the history of "homily." The story starts with ancient Greek homilos, meaning "crowd" or "assembly." Greeks used "homilos" to create the verb "homilein" ("to consort with" or "to address"), as well as the noun "homilia" ("conversation"). Latin speakers borrowed "homilia," then passed it on to Anglo-French. By the time it crossed into Middle English, the spelling had shifted to "omelie," but by the mid-16th century the term had regained its "h" and added the "y" of the modern spelling.
Origin of homily
Middle English omelie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin homilia, from Late Greek, from Greek, conversation, discourse, from homilein to consort with, address, from homilos crowd, assembly; akin to Greek homos same — more at same
First Known Use: 14th century
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