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.

U.S. natural gas futures settled lower as mild weather keeps a lid on demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Deterministic sources can reliably produce single photons almost on demand, although developing them has been a major challenge.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Amazon.com stock initially fell but rallied after the firm offered positive commentary on demand for its AI chips, Angela reports.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Pay can be high, but it varies widely depending on demand, operating costs and how much drivers are able to work.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

An actor taught his nieces and nephews to cry on demand, the craft of bereavement.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

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