on demand

Idioms

When needed or asked for, as in She's always ready to sing on demand, or Nowadays infants are generally fed on demand. This usage is a broadening of this phrase's meaning in finance, that is, “payable on being requested or presented,” as in This note is payable on demand. [Late 1600s]

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.

The rise of AI agents that tend to computer tasks on demand has put users in the position of managing smart, fast digital workers rather than having to grind through jobs themselves.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Your investments will be valued at different intervals and will not be liquid on demand.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

FSE has called on Fifa to abandon dynamic pricing - variability based on demand - and freeze prices for the April release of tickets.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

While this supports margins and premiums, a prolonged conflict could weigh on demand due to rising energy costs and cap further gains, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The “Jesus” he had in mind tended bar in a cafe across the street from the hotel, and was, Perry thought, muy simpatico, definitely someone he could trust to return the boxes on demand.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023