observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

1

a

: a customary practice, rite, or ceremony

Sabbath observances

b

: a rule governing members of a religious order

2

: an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law

observance of the speed limits

3

: an act or instance of watching

Synonyms

• abidance
• adherence
• compliance
• conformance
• conformity
• keeping
• obedience
• observation

Examples of observance in a Sentence

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy

observance of the smoking ban in public buildings

Recent Examples on the Web

That's because lottery offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. —Doc Louallen, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day both fall on Feb. 14 this year, which means the third week of February will be stacked with religious observances. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024

The 2021 Wisconsin Act 31 requires the governor to annually issue a proclamation for the day's observance. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024

Cinco de Mayo is not a religious holiday and is not tied to any religious observance. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

1

: an established practice or ceremony

religious observances

2

: an act of following a custom, rule, or law

3

: an act or instance of watching