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

Newsweek contacted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for comment via email on Friday and was advised that the U.S. office is closed through Friday, November 29th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

The stock market was dark Thursday and closed at 1 p.m. ET on Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024

United States stock markets will be closing early on Friday, Nov. 29 after being closed altogether on Thursday, Nov. 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

No, public schools and colleges in Michigan will be closed on Thanksgiving in observance of the public holiday. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 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