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

Those federal statutes are enforceable through the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which directs courts to set aside agency actions when they are taken without observance of procedural requirements and in abuse of agency discretion. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Drive-thru services, which became more common during the pandemic, continue at some congregations as a way to make the observance accessible for families and commuters. —Staff Photographer, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026

During the event, breakout sessions included discussions about navigating religious observance in the military, creating a Jewish community while on duty, and how to have successful military relationships. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026

For those looking for more information on the religious observance, here’s what to know. —Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 18 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