plural observances
1
: the practice of following a custom, rule, law, etc.
Sabbath observance
—often + ofstrict observance of the law/ban/rule
The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.
2
: an act that is part of a ceremony or ritual
a special holiday observance
—usually pluralreligious/ritual observances
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/observance. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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