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 documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969. —James Laporta, CBS News, 3 June 2025

The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

The event begins with Mounting of the Service Colors, then the observance, followed by a moment of silence during eight bells and the playing of taps. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

Since the recent attack, both countries have strengthened their military presence along the LoC. Fahad Shah A ceasefire signed by both countries nearly 20 years ago has been more honored in the breach than the observance, and violated every few years. —Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 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