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
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
Some countries, including the U.K., still observe Mother's Day on Mothering Sunday.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
Visitors can observe birds, identifying them by sight, sound and habitat.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
For example, the Buddhist calendar observed in Thailand diverges from the Gregorian calendar by several centuries.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024
Gazans observe an austere Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of war.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Robbins, meanwhile, will commute to Manhattan beginning in August, observing Glenview’s policy of in-office work three days a week.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
Another tornado was observed around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the city of Raymond, Mississippi, about 20 miles west of Jackson – and more tornadoes could be on the way Wednesday.
—Robert Shackelford, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Do directors spend many hours each week on HOA business, inspecting the property, observing vendors and otherwise dealing with the HOA’s daily matters?
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Some countries, including the U.K., still observe Mother's Day on Mothering Sunday.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
Visitors can observe birds, identifying them by sight, sound and habitat.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
For example, the Buddhist calendar observed in Thailand diverges from the Gregorian calendar by several centuries.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024
Gazans observe an austere Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of war.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Robbins, meanwhile, will commute to Manhattan beginning in August, observing Glenview’s policy of in-office work three days a week.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
Another tornado was observed around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the city of Raymond, Mississippi, about 20 miles west of Jackson – and more tornadoes could be on the way Wednesday.
—Robert Shackelford, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Do directors spend many hours each week on HOA business, inspecting the property, observing vendors and otherwise dealing with the HOA’s daily matters?
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 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 18 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share