observed; observing
1
: to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with
failed to observe the law and as a consequence had to pay a fine
2
: to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage
observed the flight of the sacred geese
3
: to celebrate or solemnize (something, such as a ceremony or festival) in a customary or accepted way
observed Independence Day with a parade
4
a
: to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment
observed the behavior of the children
b
: to make a scientific observation on or of
observed the mating habits of the grouse
5
: to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts
… observed that the indefinite reduction of any given risk to society often brings with it an increase in other risks.—
E. L. Zebroski
E. L. Zebroski6
: to utter as a remark
"The paint," she observed, "is already starting to peel."
1
a
: to take notice
When your teacher is demonstrating something, sit up and observe!
b
: to make observations : watch
Perform your tricks, and we will observe.
Synonyms
Examples of observe in a Sentence
The class will be observing the movements of fish.
The patient must be observed constantly.
Children learn by observing their parents and others.
The new teacher will give the lesson today and the principal will observe.
We observed a large flock of birds heading north.
He observed two children playing with marbles on the street corner.
She observed that every man in the room had removed his hat.
Few cases of the disease have been observed in humans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Walkers, runners and cyclists are asked to observe detour signs on trails and provide adequate distance between themselves and construction work.
—Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 24 Apr. 2024
Heart to Heart International redesigned its hygiene kit assembly space by observing and asking volunteers.
—Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
The festival begins on Nissan 15, while the first and seventh days are observed as yom tov − a period when work is not performed.
—Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Stargazers rarely need visual aids to observe bright Jupiter, but binoculars can enhance the view —and make tougher-to-spot Uranus more visible.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Inspectors observed employees washing a scoop and tong at a front sink, according to the report.
—Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
During the detective’s interview with the employee, another officer nearby observed the interaction.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
The officer claimed to smell alcohol on her breath and marijuana coming from her car and observed her eyes were watery and bloodshot.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
On this day at the farm, some chose to sit back and observe the proceedings from a comfortable chair with a glass of wine while others got right in the thick of things.
—Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 24 Apr. 2024
Heart to Heart International redesigned its hygiene kit assembly space by observing and asking volunteers.
—Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
The festival begins on Nissan 15, while the first and seventh days are observed as yom tov − a period when work is not performed.
—Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Stargazers rarely need visual aids to observe bright Jupiter, but binoculars can enhance the view —and make tougher-to-spot Uranus more visible.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Inspectors observed employees washing a scoop and tong at a front sink, according to the report.
—Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024
During the detective’s interview with the employee, another officer nearby observed the interaction.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
The officer claimed to smell alcohol on her breath and marijuana coming from her car and observed her eyes were watery and bloodshot.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
On this day at the farm, some chose to sit back and observe the proceedings from a comfortable chair with a glass of wine while others got right in the thick of things.
—Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'observe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near observe
Cite this Entry
“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observe. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
observe
verb
ob·serve
əb-ˈzərv 
observed; observing
1
: to act in agreement with : obey
observe the law
2
: to celebrate or honor (as a holiday) with special events or customs
3
a
: to watch carefully
observed how the food was prepared
b
: to make a scientific observation of
observe an eclipse
4
: to come to understand or know especially by thinking about facts that have been noted
I have observed that it happens more often on Tuesdays
5
: to say as a remark
observed that it was a fine day and we agreed
observer
noun
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