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
Yes, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close U.S. markets in observance of the National Day of Mourning.
—
Addy Bink, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close their stock and options markets on Thursday in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Carter.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
The Carter Center said in a statement that there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Not included in the list is the national day of mourning following former President Jimmy Carter's death, which Joe Biden declared will be held on Jan. 9th, prompting organizations to close in observance of the day.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for observance 
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Addy Bink, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close their stock and options markets on Thursday in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Carter.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
The Carter Center said in a statement that there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Not included in the list is the national day of mourning following former President Jimmy Carter's death, which Joe Biden declared will be held on Jan. 9th, prompting organizations to close in observance of the day.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
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 19 Jan. 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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