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

In just the past few weeks, public debate has centered on issues such as school curriculum oversight, commemorative and cultural observances and facility access policies. —Brett Wilson, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2026

Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear. —Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

The annual event, held at the Memorial to the Six Million, also marked the site's 61st observance—a space considered sacred by many, where human ashes from Dachau and other Holocaust artifacts are interred. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

May is Healthy Vision Month, an annual observance established by the National Eye Institute to encourage Americans to make eye health a priority. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 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