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
While the documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.
—
James Laporta, CBS News, 3 June 2025
The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
The event begins with Mounting of the Service Colors, then the observance, followed by a moment of silence during eight bells and the playing of taps.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Since the recent attack, both countries have strengthened their military presence along the LoC.
Fahad Shah
A ceasefire signed by both countries nearly 20 years ago has been more honored in the breach than the observance, and violated every few years.
—Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
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James Laporta, CBS News, 3 June 2025
The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
The event begins with Mounting of the Service Colors, then the observance, followed by a moment of silence during eight bells and the playing of taps.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Since the recent attack, both countries have strengthened their military presence along the LoC.
Fahad Shah
A ceasefire signed by both countries nearly 20 years ago has been more honored in the breach than the observance, and violated every few years.
—Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 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 17 Jun. 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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