observance

UK: /əbˈzɜː^rv^əns/ US: /əbˈzɝvəns/ ,(əb zûr′vəns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ob•serv•ance /əbˈzɜrvəns/   n. [uncountable]

1. the action of following, obeying, or complying with a law, custom, etc.
2. a celebration by ceremonies, practices, etc.:
   the observance of the Sabbath.
3. an act or instance of watching;
   observation.

See -serv-².

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ob•serv•ance  (əb zûr′vəns), n. 

1. an act or instance of following, obeying, or conforming to:
   the observance of traffic laws.
2. a keeping or celebration by appropriate procedure, ceremonies, etc.:
   the observance of the Sabbath.
3. a procedure, ceremony, or rite, as for a particular occasion:
   patriotic observances.
4. a rule or custom to be followed or obeyed;
   a customary practice.
5. Religion [Rom. Cath. Ch.]
   • Religion a rule or discipline for a religious house or order.
   • Religion a house or order observing a rule or discipline.
6. an act or instance of watching, noting, or perceiving;
   observation.
7. respectful attention or service.
8. [Archaic.] courteous attention as to a person;
   dutiful service.

• Late Latin observantia, Latin: esteem, attention, derivative of observant- (stem of observāns), present participle of observāre. See observe, -ance
• Old French
• Middle English observaunce 1175–1225

Synonyms

• 1. compliance, adherence, heedfulness.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

observance / əbˈzɜːvəns/ noun

1. recognition of or compliance with a law, custom, practice, etc
2. a ritual, ceremony, or practice, esp of a religion
3. observation or attention
4. the degree of strictness of a religious order or community in following its rule
5. respectful or deferential attention
   Also called (obsolete): observancy