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 of observance

• adherence
• compliance
• observation
• conformity

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

Handler and his son will not attend any five year memorial observances. — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 June 2026

They were originally intended to encourage religious observance and a day of rest. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

No, Costco warehouses will be closed in observance of Independence Day, according to the company. — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 July 2026

The market was closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July — so, understandably, Thursday's trading volume was light, which made stocks vulnerable to big swings. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 5 July 2026

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