Jump To:

• Dem
  Dem

  noun

  a member of the Democratic Party.
• dem.
  dem.

  abbreviation

  demonstrative.
• Dem.
  Dem.

  abbreviation

  Democrat.

Dem

¹ American  

[dem] / dɛm /

noun

Informal.

1. a member of the Democratic Party.

2. the Dems, the Democratic Party.

---

dem. ² American  

abbreviation

1. demonstrative.

2. demurrage.

---

Dem. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Democrat.

2. Democratic.

---

Dem. British  

abbreviation

1. Democrat(ic)

---

Etymology

Origin of Dem

1830–40, shortening of Democrat ( def. 3a )

Compare meaning

How does dem compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• G.O.P. vs. Dem

Example Sentences

Richard Lee will pick up the baton from long-serving Lib Dem councillor Mike Mackrory, who died suddenly in April.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the policy was designed to end the "national scandal where millions can't afford the most basic energy they need".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Instead, Democrats “have an option of like moderate Dem to slightly less-moderate Dem,” said Matt Lesenyie, an assistant professor of political science at Cal State Long Beach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

A Reform UK candidate, who is a doctor, sprung into action to make sure the Lib Dem candidate was okay when he fell about 4am at the Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Dem cabins was daubed wid clay, an' de chimbleys was built outten clay an' stick.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume I, Alabama Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration