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.

On top of that, the base fare is a less predictable revenue stream — ticket prices can vary depending on demand, notes Jay Sorensen, the president of IdeaWorksCompany.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Gasoline prices jumped 36% during the first month of the Iran war, a major shift that is expected to weigh on demand and household budgets.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“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 extended losses to four sessions with mild spring weather keeping a lid on demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

These small folders containing photograph and fingerprints had to be produced on demand.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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