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

The image, taken by NASA photographer Bill Ingalls, transforms a familiar sight into a beacon of celebration as the nation begins its yearlong observance of America's anniversary. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026

As in recent years, Russia representatives were not invited to the observances at Auschwitz due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. —Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

This is what kashrut and Sabbath observance are about—avoiding certain food or workdays as a way of setting themselves apart. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026

But this year’s observance Monday, Cohen said, felt more relevant than ever. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 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