Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - annunciation

 noun  Etymology: Middle English annunciacioun, from Anglo-French annuntiatun, from Late Latin annuntiation-, annuntiatio, from Latin annuntiare — more at announce  Date: 14th century  1. capitalized March 25 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the announcement of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary  2. the act of announcing or of being announced ; announcement