annunciations
|an-nun-ci-a-tions|
🇺🇸
/əˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/əˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃ(ə)n/
(annunciation)
a formal announcement; the angelic announcement to Mary
Etymology
'annunciation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'annuntiatio' (or 'annuntiare' as its verb form), where 'ad-' (later assimilated) + 'nuntiare' related to 'nuntius' meant 'messenger' or 'to announce'.
'annuntiatio' passed into Old French as 'anonc(i)ation'/'annonciation' and into Middle English as 'annunciation', eventually becoming the modern English word 'annunciation'.
Initially, it meant 'the act of announcing' in general; over time it developed a strong religious specialization referring especially to the angelic announcement to Mary, while still retaining the broader meaning of 'announcement' in secular contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in Christian theology, the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus (the Feast of the Annunciation).
Medieval churches often depict multiple annunciations in their frescos and stained glass.
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Noun 2
a formal announcement or proclamation; the act of announcing something.
The company issued several short annunciations about the restructuring over the week.
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Last updated: 2025/08/17 03:51