Definition of annunciator

The word "annunciator" originated in the Middle Ages, when it was used to refer to a person who delivers an official announcement, usually of religious or royal importance. The term derives from the Latin annuntiatus, which means "announced" or "proclaimed." In its original context, an annunciator was a messenger who conveyed important news on behalf of a authority figure, such as a bishop or king. As technology advanced, the term "annunciator" came to be used more specifically to describe a mechanical device that displayed messages or instructions, such as railroad signals or factory horns. Today, the word is most commonly associated with electronic communication devices, such as announcements via public address systems, automated presentation screens, or digital signage in public places. The broader definition of "annunciator" has also evolved to encompass any person or entity that disseminates information or news to the public, particularly in the context of mass media. This includes writers, journalists, broadcasters, and news organizations, whom we nowadays typically refer to by specific roles or job titles—such as reporter, anchor, or newsreader—rather than by the more general term annunciator. In summary, the word "annunciator" has its origins in the Latin verb annuntiare, which translates to "to proclaim" or "to announce," and has evolved over time to describe a range of persons, devices, and media that serve to communicate important messages or information.