demonstration

noun

dem·​on·​stra·​tion ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
1
: an act, process, or means of demonstrating to the intelligence
a demonstration of how to prune a tree
: such as
a(1)
: conclusive evidence : proof
a demonstration of her guilt
(2)
mathematics : derivation sense 5
b
: a showing of the merits of a product or service to a prospective consumer
a vacuum cleaner demonstration
2
: an outward expression or display
a demonstration of compassion
3
: a show of armed force
4
: a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause
peaceful demonstrations against the government
anti-war demonstrations
demonstrational adjective

Examples of demonstration in a Sentence

I went to a sculpture demonstration last weekend. One of the instructors gave a demonstration of how to prune a tree. Would you mind giving us a demonstration so that we can see how the machine works? He brought along a copy of the software for demonstration. Students took part in several nonviolent demonstrations against the government. The latest tests are a clear demonstration that the vaccine works. Many people sent cards and flowers in demonstration of their sympathy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anti-Musk sentiment spilled onto sidewalks outside of Tesla showrooms with 60 demonstrations scheduled Saturday in cities such as Delray Beach, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; and Decatur, Georgia, as part of the Tesla Takedown movement, which began in mid-February amid Musk’s role with DOGE. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Dozens of demonstrations are planned in California for No Kings Day June 14. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025 These violent attacks come after years of escalating rhetoric, protests and demonstrations against the ongoing war in Gaza. Will Carless, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Until then, the best chance to see them is at the skunk training demonstrations in The Loft at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for demonstration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English demonstracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French demonstration, demustracioun, borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātiōn-, dēmonstrātiō "action of pointing out, description, explanation" (Late Latin, "deduction, proof"), from dēmonstrāre "to indicate, describe, show" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at demonstrate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonstration was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demonstration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstration. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

demonstration

noun
dem·​on·​stra·​tion ˌdem-ən-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
1
: an act, process, or means of demonstrating the truth of something:
a
: convincing evidence
b
: an explanation (as of a theory) by experiment
c
: a course of reasoning intended to prove that a conclusion must be true when certain conditions are accepted
d
: a showing or using of a product for sale to display its good points
2
: an outward expression or display
a demonstration of joy
3
: a show of armed force
4
: a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause

Medical Definition

demonstration

noun
dem·​on·​stra·​tion ˌdem-ən-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
: an act, process, or means of demonstrating to the intelligence
especially : a proof by experiment
a demonstration of the neutralization of an acid by a base

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!