An announcement is when someone officially tells a group of people important information they need to know. At school, the principal might make an announcement over the loudspeaker about an upcoming assembly or a change to the lunch schedule. Your teacher might make an announcement about tomorrow's field trip. At home, your parents might gather everyone to make an announcement about an upcoming move or vacation.

Announcements are public and purposeful. They're different from casual conversation or gossip. When someone makes an announcement, they're sharing news that matters to their audience, and they want everyone to hear it at the same time. A company might make an announcement about a new product. A wedding announcement tells people that two people got married. Scientists make announcements when they discover something important.

The word comes from the idea of declaring something openly, making sure people know about it rather than keeping it secret or letting them find out by accident. When you announce something, you're the one delivering the news. Good announcements are clear, direct, and timed so people get the information when they need it.