demonstration
Americannoun
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the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence.
a belief incapable of demonstration.
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something serving as proof or supporting evidence.
They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.
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a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like.
a demonstration of methods of refining ore.
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the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.
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an exhibition, as of feeling; display; manifestation.
His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.
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a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.
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a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.
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Mathematics. a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result; proof.
noun
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the act of demonstrating
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proof or evidence leading to proof
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an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works
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a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc
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a manifestation of emotion
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a show of military force or preparedness
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maths a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of demonstration
1325–75; Middle English demonstracioun < Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent to dēmonstrāt ( us ) ( see 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.
Vocabulary lists containing demonstration
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 31-40
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Twelve Days in May
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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.
Will he actually pull off the latest smoke-and-mirrors product demonstration?
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
They will also manage a so-called "sterile zone" between the Unite the Kingdom march, organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, and a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
A key milestone for the team involved turning the molecule's high energy storage capacity into a practical demonstration.
From Science Daily • May 15, 2026
California’s 14 demonstration forests are required to produce and sell timber to show — or “demonstrate” — sustainable practices.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
When they reach the point of the lesson that includes the practical demonstration, he instructs the boy to place the ring on his own hand.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
