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

Much like the Christian and Catholic observances of the Lent season leading up to Easter, Ramadan’s date on the Gregorian calendar changes each year, since it’s based on the lunar calendar. —Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026

Each year, the organization that launched the observance announces a national theme. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026

This year, the theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations, in honor of 100 years since Woodson initiated the week-long observance of Black History Month. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026

Today starts Black History Month, an annual observance to remember important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. —Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Feb. 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