demonstration

noun

dem·​on·​stra·​tion ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce demonstration (audio)
Synonyms of demonstration
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
a demonstration that the system works
(2)
mathematics : derivation sense 5
b
: a showing of the merits of a product or service to a prospective consumer
a demonstration of the new software
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 of demonstration

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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.
In Belgium, meanwhile, students joined demonstrations alongside striking workers as the country's two largest labour unions staged a national strike on Friday, disrupting public transport, air travel and other sectors. — Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026 Her opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports became a major flashpoint this season, prompting demonstrations supporting and opposing her position outside the Fever games. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 For Choi, the project has also become another demonstration of what her own border-crossing background might make possible. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Data collected during the demonstration will inform further development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 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
demonstrational
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Cite this Entry

“Demonstration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstration. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about demonstration

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