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
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
Held in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Hands Around the Courthouse event brings together community members, legal professionals and child advocates to spotlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, the release stated.
—
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The victim’s name has not been released pending his formal identification and notification of his next of kin by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office, which was closed Monday in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
California Los Angeles Most Los Angeles city and county agencies will be closed on Monday, March 31, in observance of César Chávez Day.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect.
—Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
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Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The victim’s name has not been released pending his formal identification and notification of his next of kin by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office, which was closed Monday in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
California Los Angeles Most Los Angeles city and county agencies will be closed on Monday, March 31, in observance of César Chávez Day.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect.
—Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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