demonstration

noun

dem-uhn-STRAY-shuhn/dɛmənˈstɹeɪʃən/

7 meanings of demonstration

1
nouncountable
A public event where many people gather to show what they want or oppose.
Like a big crowd standing together to share one message.
Thousands joined the demonstration against the new law.
The peaceful demonstration filled the city square for hours.
Similarprotest, rally, march
Note
2
nouncountable
The act of showing someone how to do or use something.
Like showing a friend how to tie their shoes step by step.
The teacher gave a demonstration of how to mix the colors.
We watched a cooking demonstration at the fair.
Similarpresentation, display, explanation, illustration, exhibition
Note
3
nouncountable
An event where someone shows people how a thing works.
Like a show-and-tell where a new product is the star.
We signed up for the free demonstration at the store.
The company held a demonstration to launch its new phone.
Similarpresentation, showcase, exhibition, display, show
4
nouncountable
An open show of feelings through actions or signs.
Like showing love with a hug instead of just saying it.
Her warm hug was a demonstration of how much she cared.
His shouting was a clear demonstration of frustration.
Similardisplay, expression, show, manifestation, sign
5
nouncountable
A clear proof that shows something is true.
Like building a tower where each block rests firmly on the one below.
The teacher walked us through the demonstration of the theorem.
Each step in the demonstration followed logically from the last.
Similarproof, verification, derivation, confirmation
Oppositedisproof, refutation
Note
6
nouncountable
A show of military strength meant to warn or scare an enemy.
Like a dog baring its teeth to warn another animal away.
The navy held a demonstration off the coast to warn the rebels.
The army staged a demonstration near the border.
Similardisplay, feint, show
7
nounslangcountable
A beating that one prisoner gives to another in prison.
Two prisoners gave the new man a demonstration behind the prison kitchen, and he needed stitches.
He landed in the infirmary after a demonstration from his cellmate.
Similarbeating, beatdown, thrashing, assault
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin dēmōnstrāre, meaning "to show or explain," made from dē- ("of or concerning") and mōnstrāre ("show"). It came into English through Old French and Middle English.