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

All branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025

Many districts allow for short-term exceptions—such as for bereavement, family emergencies, or religious observances—but rarely for travel motivated by convenience or cost. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

Now employers must show a substantial hardship when refusing to honor religious beliefs or practices, such as allowing employees to wear a yarmulke, hijab or turban, pray at work or to schedule work around religious observances. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year. —Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 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