demonstration

noun

dem·on·stra·tion ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-shən

Synonyms of demonstration next

: 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

: a showing of the merits of a product or service to a prospective consumer

a vacuum cleaner demonstration

: an outward expression or display

a demonstration of compassion

: a show of armed force

: a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause

peaceful demonstrations against the government

anti-war demonstrations

demonstrational

ˌde-mən-ˈstrā-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Example Sentences

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Admission includes all clinics, lectures, demonstration, and admission to the trade show. —

oregonlive, 24 Feb. 2023 His was not only an expert display of conducting, but also a demonstration of what might be called his loving gaze of Mahler in all his magnificent contradictions. —

Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2023 The report estimates that global public investment in CDR research, development and demonstration was around $4.1 billion between 2010 and 2022. —

Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, 19 Jan. 2023 The event is free, although registration is required for the dumpling demonstration and the book panel. —

Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Jan. 2023 Authorities are also working to identify the authors of messages on social media calling for the Sunday demonstration and the donors who funded buses to carry participants to the capital. —

Marina Dias, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2023 The committee’s demonstration of his moral and political culpability—and shameful refusal to act immediately to stop the riot—is damning enough. —

The Editorial Board, WSJ, 23 Dec. 2022 Morales and others organized a press conference and demonstration outside the Houston Post (now the Houston Chronicle building). —

Emma Balter, Chron, 6 Oct. 2022 First announced in 2013 with a public demonstration in New Zealand, Loon had long ago met and surpassed every single allegedly groundbreaking milestone Wu was bragging about. —

Steven Levy, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demonstration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

See more words from the same century