A preacher is someone who gives religious talks, called sermons, usually in a church or other place of worship. Preachers explain ideas from religious texts like the Bible, share stories with moral lessons, and help their congregations understand how to apply religious teachings to everyday life.

In many Christian churches, the preacher is the minister or pastor who stands at the front on Sunday morning and delivers a message to the people gathered there. Some preachers speak in a quiet, thoughtful way, while others might raise their voices with passion and energy. You might hear someone described as a fiery preacher if they speak with intense emotion, or a traveling preacher if they move from town to town sharing their message.

The word can also describe anyone who talks repeatedly about their beliefs or opinions in an earnest, instructive way. If your friend constantly lectures everyone about eating healthy foods, someone might joke that she sounds like a preacher. This usage isn't usually a compliment: it suggests the person is being a bit too preachy, telling others what to do rather than having a conversation.

Famous preachers like Jonathan Edwards in colonial America and Billy Graham in the 20th century drew huge crowds and influenced American culture and history through their powerful speaking and their messages about faith and morality.