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

With the annual Veterans Day observance being marked this week, perhaps veterans had their revenge after being mocked by the president and saw programs targeted for them stripped of funding. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Staff often struggled to accommodate her needs for kosher food, modest dress and Shabbat observance. — Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

But core to every observance is the celebration of life and the honoring of the dead. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

In the United States, the observance currently begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 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