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
Here's a list of places that are open and closed in observance of Presidents Day.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
The Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange and U.S. bond markets will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
The following state, federal and local government offices' schedules may be affected by holiday observances Monday.
—Joy Jackson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Other concerns about daylight saving time included disruptions to harvesting schedules for farmers, interference with religious observances based on solar and lunar time and potential delays in reworking computer systems programmed to switch twice a year.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Kids 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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