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

While the bond market will close in observance, the stock market will remain open. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024

No, the post office's retail locations will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, and there will be no mail delivery at homes or offices. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day is always on the second Monday of October. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024

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