What does homilist mean?
A homilist is a preacher or sermon writer, particularly one regarded as skilled in delivering a homily, or a sermon intended to teach and inspire a religious audience. The word often suggests eloquence, moral authority, and a concern with explaining religious teachings in a memorable way. In ordinary conversation, “preacher” is much more common, while “homilist” may be used in literary, historical, or ecclesiastical contexts. It can also refer broadly to an accomplished writer or speaker whose work takes the form of sermons, even when the context is not explicitly religious. The term is related to “homily” and to the academic study of preaching, homiletics, and is especially associated with Christian rhetorical traditions.
nounA preacher or other person who delivers homilies, especially sermons intended to instruct a religious congregation. The term can also refer more broadly to a skilled writer or speaker of sermons.
- A person who delivers homilies or sermons, especially in a religious context.
- A person skilled in writing or presenting sermons.
"The cathedral's renowned homilist delivered a moving sermon on compassion."
"Many admirers came to hear the homilist speak."
"Her essays show the influence of a master homilist."
The plural is formed by adding -s and is used for more than one preacher or sermon writer.
"Several renowned homilists shaped the tradition of public religious rhetoric."
A homilist is more than a speaker: the word places the emphasis on the craft of turning a moral or religious message into a memorable sermon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homilist come from?
The word homilist comes from the Greek homilos, meaning “together” or “in company,” through the related term “homily,” which developed in the sense of a discourse or sermon intended for a congregation. The suffix -ist identifies someone who practices or specializes in a field, giving homilist the meaning of a preacher or sermon writer. Its cognates include homiletic, concerning sermons or preaching, and homiletics, the study or theory of preaching.
How homilist is actually used
The word is relatively literary and formal. It is less common than the general terms “preacher” and “minister,” but it often conveys an emphasis on eloquence, moral instruction, or the art of sermonizing.