observance

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noun ob·ser·vance \ əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s \

Definition of observance

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

See observance defined for English-language learners

See observance defined for kids

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 of observance from the Web

Everyone is running away from traditional religious observance, and religion is going to die.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "Convert Nation," 12 Aug. 2017
An observance of the 100th anniversary of Kochurov's death is planned for October.

— madeline galassi, Daily Southtown, "Iconic saint's image heralds New Lenox church's new name," 24 July 2017
Supporters of Liu Xiaobo are gathering worldwide to mark the traditional Chinese observance of the seventh day after his death.

— Washington Post, "Liu Xiaobo supporters mark his death amid concerns for widow," 19 July 2017
Holiday closing The East Chicago Public Library system will be closed Tuesday in observance of Independence Day.

— Post-Tribune, "Community calendar," 30 June 2017
Holiday closing The East Chicago Public Library system will be closed Tuesday in observance of Independence Day.

— Post-Tribune, "Community calendar," 30 June 2017
Holiday closing The East Chicago Public Library system will be closed Tuesday in observance of Independence Day.

— Post-Tribune, "Community news," 28 June 2017
The killing rattled a Muslim community in the midst of celebrating Ramadan, a month of religious observance in which adherents fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Muslim teen Nabra Hassanen's death not investigated as hate crime, Virginia authorities state," 19 June 2017
The man was wearing traditional clothing for Ramadan observances.

— pioneer press, Twin Cities, "Sentenced for racially charged shooting, Lauderdale man erupts in court," 12 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of observance

13th century

observance Synonyms

OBSERVANCE Defined for English Language Learners

observance

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noun

Definition of observance for English Language Learners

: the practice of following a custom, rule, law, etc.
: an act that is part of a ceremony or ritual

OBSERVANCE Defined for Kids

observance

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noun ob·ser·vance \ əb-ˈzər-vəns \

Definition of observance for Students

1 :an established practice or ceremony

religious observances

2 :an act of following a custom, rule, or law

Careful observance of the speed limit is a wise idea.

Learn More about observance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for observance Spanish Central: Translation of observance Nglish: Translation of observance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of observance for Arabic speakers

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Examples of observance in a Sentence

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observance Synonyms

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OBSERVANCE Defined for English Language Learners

observance

Definition of observance for English Language Learners

OBSERVANCE Defined for Kids

observance

Definition of observance for Students

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