annunciator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “annunciator” mean?
A signalling device, typically with lights or sounds, that indicates which specific location or device requires attention.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A signalling device, typically with lights or sounds, that indicates which specific location or device requires attention.
Any person or thing that announces or signals something, though this usage is rare and dated. Primarily refers to an electromechanical or electronic indicator panel used in buildings, vehicles, or industrial systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows the national conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in related text on the device). The technical term is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “annunciator” in a Sentence
The annunciator [VERB: indicated/showed/signalled] a [NOUN: fault/fire/alarm] in [PLACE: the boiler room/Zone 4].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annunciator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to annunciate faults clearly.
American English
- The control unit annunciates alarms on a central panel.
adjective
British English
- The annunciator function is integrated into the main console.
American English
- We checked the annunciator circuitry for faults.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in contexts related to building management or security system contracts.
Academic
Used in engineering, electronics, and fire safety literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in electrical engineering, fire safety, industrial automation, and building management systems (BMS) for a device that shows the status or location of an alarm or fault.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “annunciator”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “annunciator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annunciator”
- Using 'annunciator' to refer to a person (e.g., 'He was the annunciator of the news').
- Confusing spelling with 'enunciator' (one who articulates speech clearly).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An alarm is the device that creates the warning sound or signal. An annunciator is the panel or device that identifies and displays *which specific* alarm has been activated.
Historically and very rarely, yes, but this usage is now obsolete. In all modern technical contexts, it refers only to a device.
The related verb is 'to annunciate,' meaning to announce or indicate, especially in a technical signalling context.
The stress is on the second syllable: uh-NUN-see-ay-ter (US) / uh-NUN-see-ay-tuh (UK). The first syllable sounds like 'a' in 'about'.
A signalling device, typically with lights or sounds, that indicates which specific location or device requires attention.
Annunciator is usually technical / formal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hotel front desk 'announcing' which room has called by lighting up a number on a panel; that panel is an ANNUNCIATOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WATCHTOWER WITH FLAGS (signals specific events from specific locations).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would you most likely encounter the word 'annunciator'?