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

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, meaning some governmental entities and businesses will be closed in observance. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

The stock market will also be closed in observance of the holiday. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Jan. 2026

In November, the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for the observance of the traditional Olympic Truce, though similar efforts in ‘24 didn’t thwart military actions in Ukraine. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season. —Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 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