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
The shrine has been designated as a pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Gary’s observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
—
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
United States stock markets will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
These campaigns included initiatives such as an online petition promoting the holiday’s observance launched in 2019 that amassed 1.6 million signatures.
—Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
David Blight, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale, has called the Charleston commemoration the first Memorial Day, although the inaugural official national observance occurred on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War.
—Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
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Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
United States stock markets will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
These campaigns included initiatives such as an online petition promoting the holiday’s observance launched in 2019 that amassed 1.6 million signatures.
—Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
David Blight, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale, has called the Charleston commemoration the first Memorial Day, although the inaugural official national observance occurred on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War.
—Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 1 June 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 21 Jul. 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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