demonstration

noun

dem·​on·​stra·​tion ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
Synonyms of demonstrationnext
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
ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
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.
Live art demonstrations, children’s art activities, free entertainment and an outdoor food court will be on hand, and a July Easter egg hunt will be held. — Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 25 July 2025 However, the two journalists continue to face multiple misdemeanor charges in connection with the demonstration on the John A. Roebling Bridge. — Quinlan Bentley, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025 This led to Lombardi sending several expletive-laden messages and a petition calling for the end of their demonstration to the Blue Angel's Instagram account. — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Hawley has positioned himself as a vocal supporter of Israel and has previously condemned pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses as antisemitic. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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

Phrases Containing demonstration

Rhymes for demonstration

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Browse Nearby Words

demonstrate
demonstration
demonstrative
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Cite this Entry

“Demonstration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstration. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of demonstration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about demonstration

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