plural demonstrations
1
: an act of showing someone how something is used or done
I went to a sculpture demonstration last weekend.
One of the instructors gave/did 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.
—sometimes used before another nounWe saw a demonstration [=demo] version of the new software.
2
: an event in which people gather together in order to show that they support or oppose something or someone
Students took part in several nonviolent/peaceful demonstrations against the government.
demonstrations against the war = antiwar demonstrations
demonstrations for women's rights
Protesters marched in demonstration.
3
: an act of showing or proving something
The latest tests are a clear demonstration that the vaccine works.
—often + ofa demonstration of their power/loyalty/skill
a demonstration of grief/bravery
They brought some bread to share as a demonstration [=token] of goodwill.
Many people sent cards and flowers in demonstration of their sympathy.
Cite this Entry
“Demonstration.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/demonstration. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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