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.

See Examples For:

on demand

The technology may also make it possible to tune properties such as light's "color" or intensity almost instantly and on demand.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

Despite Apple being forced to raise prices for its products, Windsor said the impact on demand will likely be “less than anyone else given the strength of the Apple brand.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026

Markets have adjusted to the conflict by drawing on commercial and strategic reserves, keeping a lid on demand and seeking out other countries for crude and crude products.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

In addition, there will also be a full no-spoiler re-run of the game on BBC Two from 07:10 BST, while a full re-run will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer immediately after the match.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

Seriously, what young boy doesn’t want to be a robot with guns built into his arms and the ability to change into a Mack truck or a jet plane on demand?

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge

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