'annunciator' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'annuntiare', where the prefix 'ad-' (assimilated to 'an-') meant 'to' and 'nuntiare' meant 'to report or proclaim'.

'annunciator' changed from Medieval Latin/Old French forms (e.g. Medieval Latin 'annuntiator' / Old French influences) and entered Middle English as forms like 'annuntiator' before becoming the modern English 'annunciator'.

Initially, it meant 'one who announces or proclaims', and over time the sense broadened to include mechanical devices that 'announce' conditions or signals; the core idea of 'giving notice' has remained.