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
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
While the bond market will close in observance, the stock market will remain open.
—
Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024
No, the post office's retail locations will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, and there will be no mail delivery at homes or offices.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day is always on the second Monday of October.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for observance 
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Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024
No, the post office's retail locations will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, and there will be no mail delivery at homes or offices.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day is always on the second Monday of October.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for observance
Articles Related to observance
Dictionary Entries Near observance
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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