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
No, public schools and colleges in Michigan will be closed on Thanksgiving in observance of the public holiday.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The day Veterans Day was celebrated moved a few times over the years, but President Gerald Ford moved it back to its annual observance on the Nov. 11 date by 1978.
—Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 11 Nov. 2024
No, all branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2024
Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, some businesses and services may be closed in observance.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for observance 
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Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The day Veterans Day was celebrated moved a few times over the years, but President Gerald Ford moved it back to its annual observance on the Nov. 11 date by 1978.
—Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 11 Nov. 2024
No, all branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2024
Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, some businesses and services may be closed in observance.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 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 29 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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