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
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
Law Day Members of the Lake County legal community came together on May 2 for the annual Law Day observance with students from around the county.
—
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Likewise, this week’s study found that 62% of Israeli Jews, and 49% of American Jews, perform religious fasts — the central observance of Yom Kippur.
—Ben Sales, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025
The holiday is observed by many Christian denominations through fasting, church services and reflection, though its observance in the U.S. varies significantly across states and sectors.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Wisconsin observes Patriots’ Day as a state observance – not a public holiday – on April 19, with schools and businesses remaining open.
—Art Jipson, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
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Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Likewise, this week’s study found that 62% of Israeli Jews, and 49% of American Jews, perform religious fasts — the central observance of Yom Kippur.
—Ben Sales, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025
The holiday is observed by many Christian denominations through fasting, church services and reflection, though its observance in the U.S. varies significantly across states and sectors.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Wisconsin observes Patriots’ Day as a state observance – not a public holiday – on April 19, with schools and businesses remaining open.
—Art Jipson, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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