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

At the same time, Zionist Hanukkah celebrations also connected the movement to Jewish religious observance, thereby appealing to traditional groups without alienating its secular core. —Joshua Shanes, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025

Survivors have been present every year in recent memory except for 2020, when the Navy and the National Park Service closed the observance to the general public because of coronavirus pandemic health risks. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025

The days chosen are usually a combination of federal holidays, public lands observances, and commemorative days. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The Constitution protects everyone’s natural rights, with its main purpose limiting the sphere of government — not implementing rules to assure proper religious observance. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 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