ˌsɛɹɪˈmoʊniəl ˈsɛɹɪməni ˈsɛɹəmoʊni ˈnəʊtɪs ˈnoʊtɪs əbˈzɝvəns əbˈzɜːvəns ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)n ˌɑbzɚˈveɪʃən ˈwɑtʃɪŋ ˈwɒtʃɪŋ the act of observing; taking a patient look conformity with law or custom or practice etc. the act of noticing or paying attention he escaped the notice of the police a formal event performed on a special occasion a ceremony commemorating Pearl Harbor