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

If only Americans could see the beauty of this observance. —Rabbi Steve Roth, Sun Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025

Some experts question whether annual observance days like Earth Day still spur meaningful change—or have become performative rituals with limited impact on policy or behavior. —Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Good Friday, a religious day of observance for Catholics and Christians, is not a federal holiday but some business operations are closed for the day. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

United States stock markets will be closed on Friday, April 18 in observance of Good Friday, the day in which those who follow the Christian faith commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 16 Apr. 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