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.

“I wish I could watch every golfer hit every shot on demand, even more so at the Masters.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

U.S. natural gas futures fell for a third straight session as spring weather kept a lid on demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

In combination with the 'boost', which allows the driver to override the car's programmed systems to have maximum electrical energy on demand, this has led to what has been referred to as "yo-yo racing".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The home-furnishings company missed analysts’ fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue targets as tariffs and bad weather weighed on demand.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 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