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

In a nationwide first, schools across New York are closed on Wednesday in observance of the Lunar New Year. —April Rubin, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025

Is Citibank open on Inauguration Day? Citibank, which operates roughly 650 banks in 13 states, will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and other U.S. stock exchanges are closed on Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while bond markets will also shut down. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025

Still, Monday’s dual observances will unfold in ordinary ways. —Clyde McGrady, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English observaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French observance, borrowed from Latin observantia "action of watching, deferential regard, adherence to rules" (Late Latin also "adherence to divine law, religious rites"), derivative of observant-, observans, present participle of observāre "to give attention to, observe"

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