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Showing results for demonstration. Search instead for Monstration.
Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Eighteen people have been arrested on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action after a demonstration outside New Scotland Yard.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

But the cabin has internet, so messages kept coming in about her one-woman No Kings demonstration the prior weekend in Beckley, West Virginia.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

The demonstration downtown is scheduled for Saturday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall while 40 other demonstrations are expected throughout the county.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Instead, I sat down on the sofa beside a stack of demonstration posters.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon