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

• abidance
• adherence
• compliance
• conformance
• conformity
• keeping
• obedience
• observation

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

The stock exchange was closed yesterday in observance of Good Friday. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization that plans, promotes and produces the annual observance each year. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2024

Is the stock market open on Good Friday or Easter Monday? United States stock markets will be closed Friday, March 29, in observance of Good Friday. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2024

All Mecklenburg County offices and services, City of Charlotte offices, state agencies and NC DMV offices will be closed on Good Friday in observance of the Easter holidays. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024

Although some smaller school districts in North Texas are closing in observance of the eclipse, Fort Worth ISD is among those staying open while providing a learning opportunity to students. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2024

The famed Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier and the glowing Gateway Pylons at Los Angeles International Airport are just a couple of the local landmarks that will go dark Saturday night in observance of Earth Hour. —Monte Morin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2024

This annual United Nations observance day highlights the importance of fresh water. —Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024

The Footnotes feature last Sunday overstated the observance of daylight saving time in the United States. —New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024

Word History

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