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
The market was closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July — so, understandably, Thursday's trading volume was light, which made stocks vulnerable to big swings.
—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
5 July 2026
In observance of the occasion, here is a ranking of Djokovic’s 10 best wins at Wimbledon, based on a combination of significance, performance quality, and entertainment value.
—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
No, Costco warehouses will be closed in observance of Independence Day, according to the company.
—
Mariyam Muhammad,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 July 2026
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles and Idaho courts will close on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, but remain open Thursday and Monday.
—
Darin Oswald,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
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Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
5 July 2026
In observance of the occasion, here is a ranking of Djokovic’s 10 best wins at Wimbledon, based on a combination of significance, performance quality, and entertainment value.
—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
No, Costco warehouses will be closed in observance of Independence Day, according to the company.
—
Mariyam Muhammad,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 July 2026
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles and Idaho courts will close on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, but remain open Thursday and Monday.
—
Darin Oswald,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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