demonstration

UK: /ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən/

US: (dem′ən strā′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dem•on•stra•tion /ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən/   n. [countable]

1. exhibition, display, or illustration that shows how something works:
   a demonstration of the new manufacturing process.
2. an example or series of examples that provides proof of something, as of a theory:
   a convincing demonstration.
3. a showing or expressing of emotion:
   demonstrations of affection.
4. a march or public show of strong opinion:
   a huge demonstration in the city's main square.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dem•on•stra•tion  (dem′ən strā′shən), n. 

1. the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence:
   a belief incapable of demonstration.
2. something serving as proof or supporting evidence:
   They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.
3. a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like:
   a demonstration of methods of refining ore.
4. the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.
5. an exhibition, as of feeling;
   display;
   manifestation:
   His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.
6. a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.
7. Military a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.
8. [Math.] a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result;
   proof.

• Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent. to dēmonstrāt(us) (see demonstrate) + -iōn- -ion
• Middle English demonstracioun 1325–75

dem′on•stra′tion•al, adj. 
dem′on•stra′tion•ist, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

demonstration / ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən/ noun

1. the act of demonstrating
2. proof or evidence leading to proof
3. an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works
4. a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc
5. a manifestation of emotion
6. a show of military force or preparedness

ˌdemonˈstrational adjective

ˌdemonˈstrationist noun