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

Independence Day celebrations Lake County residents will have plenty of Fourth of July events to choose from this year, with multiple cities and towns planning fetes in observance of the nation’s 248th birthday. —Roger Simmons, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024

Several offices and businesses will close their doors next Thursday in observance of Independence Day. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 25 June 2024

That's because lottery offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. —Doc Louallen, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024

All pools were set to be closed in observance of the holiday, but the city made the decision to keep three of them open on Wednesday in response to the heat, according to Cincinnati Recreation Commission spokesperson Chris Pike. —Killian Baarlaer, The Enquirer, 18 June 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