demonstration

American  

[dem-uhn-strey-shuhn] / ˌdɛm ənˈstreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence.

   a belief incapable of demonstration.

2. something serving as proof or supporting evidence.

   They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.

3. a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like.

   a demonstration of methods of refining ore.

4. the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.

5. an exhibition, as of feeling; display; manifestation.

   His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.

6. a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.

7. a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.

8. Mathematics. a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result; proof.

---

demonstration British  

/ ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of demonstrating

2. proof or evidence leading to proof

3. an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works

4. a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc

5. a manifestation of emotion

6. a show of military force or preparedness

7. maths a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem

---

Other Word Forms

• counterdemonstration noun
• demonstrational adjective
• demonstrationist noun
• predemonstration noun
• redemonstration noun
• subdemonstration noun
• superdemonstration noun
• undemonstrational adjective

Etymology

Origin of demonstration

1325–75; Middle English demonstracioun < Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent to dēmonstrāt ( us ) ( demonstrate ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A demonstration is a show, or display. If you are against war, you might go to an anti-war demonstration in front of the White House. You might need to see a demonstration of napkin folding before you take a job as a waitress. Dressing well for a job interview and showing up on time is considered a demonstration of your seriousness about the job. Crying is a demonstration of your feelings. If you sell website design you can make a demonstration site, or demo, so clients can see what they would get if they hired you.

Example Sentences

Some of those attending the demonstration told BBC News said they were willing to run the risk of arrest.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Barnum to design an elevator demonstration for the 1853-54 World’s Fair in New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

However, Tesla just delayed a demonstration of its next-generation robots, and the robotaxi service is still in the early stages.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

He began by visiting the Theodore Payne Foundation’s demonstration garden in Sun Valley, where people can see native plants growing in their natural habitat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

When he suggested that demonstration leaders make an appointment for a meeting at his office, the crowd booed him back inside.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• expression
• manifestation
• presentation
• show
• test
• testimony
• trial