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• 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.

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dem. ² American  

abbreviation

1. demonstrative.

2. demurrage.

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Dem. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Democrat.

2. Democratic.

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Dem. British  

abbreviation

1. Democrat(ic)

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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

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

Jack Reed won in St Thomas, a seat which the council's deputy leader Laura Wright was defending but ended up being pushed into fourth place behind Lib Dem and Reform candidates.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Jane Dodds, Welsh Lib Dem leader, has said she wanted to see investment in infrastructure "across the whole of Wales".

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Launching the Lib Dem manifesto in Birmingham, leader Ed Davey said it was "time for change" and promised a cleaner city, safer streets and parks and work to end the housing crisis.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Dem what wants to stay with me I'll pay de wages or dey can work on shares.'

From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume XVI, Texas Narratives, Part 4 by United States. Work Projects Administration