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

• 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

At no time were code violations identified, and each report mentions the observance of a capuchin monkey. —Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025

But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year. —Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

The proceedings were effectively canceled Wednesday after a juror called in sick, and federal court wasn’t in session Thursday in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. —Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 June 2025

Today, all 50 states and Washington, D.C., recognize Juneteenth in some form — either as a state holiday or a ceremonial day of observance, according to the Congressional Research Service. —Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 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