A pronouncement is a formal or official statement, especially one that carries weight or authority. When a principal makes a pronouncement that all students must wear uniforms starting next year, it's an official declaration that everyone is expected to follow.

The word suggests something deliberate and significant. A judge makes a pronouncement when announcing a verdict. A scientist might make a pronouncement about a new discovery after years of research. Even in everyday life, when your grandfather makes a solemn pronouncement at dinner about the importance of keeping your word, he's making a statement he wants taken seriously.

Pronouncements often come from people in positions of authority: teachers, leaders, experts, or anyone whose opinion carries particular weight in a situation. The word usually implies that what's being said isn't meant for casual debate. It's a declaration meant to be heard, remembered, and respected. When an umpire makes a pronouncement that a runner is out, the call stands regardless of how much the crowd disagrees.