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 interfaith gathering was held in observance of Ramadan, the holiest month for believers of Islam.
—
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Cultural and historical observances – including Black History Month and International Holocaust Remembrance Day – won’t be discouraged either.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
The month-long observance in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia recognizes the contributions of women around the world—and throughout history.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 3 Mar. 2025
Many Chinese miners had September 2nd off, in observance of a holiday.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
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Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Cultural and historical observances – including Black History Month and International Holocaust Remembrance Day – won’t be discouraged either.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
The month-long observance in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia recognizes the contributions of women around the world—and throughout history.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 3 Mar. 2025
Many Chinese miners had September 2nd off, in observance of a holiday.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Articles Related to observance
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 13 Mar. 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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