What does "demo" mean?
A demonstration or visual explanation.
Demo
/ˈdɛm.oʊ/ adj, noun, verb, slang
adj, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A demonstration or visual explanation.
- Grammar: demo is listed as adj, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: demonstration, demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstration session.
- Useful contrasts: calm, conceal, confusion.
- Usage evidence: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo.
How to use "demo"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "demo" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "demo" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "demo" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "demo" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "demo" is acting as adj, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "demonstration" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "demo", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A demonstration or visual explanation. informal
"The professor prepared a demo to help her class understand the topic."
- 2 a visual presentation showing how something works wordnet
- 3 A recording of a song meant to demonstrate its overall sound for the purpose of getting it published or recorded more fully. informal
"After hearing the demo the record label approved funding to record the song with a full band."
- 4 An example of a product used for demonstration and then sold at a discount. informal
- 5 A march or gathering to make a political protest. informal
"Elli standing there, takes a sip of her tea, fixes hostile eyes on Somraj and says, ‘Well, what are you waiting for? You signed the petition against yourself, will you now join our demo against you?’"
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 An edition of limited functionality to give the user an example of how the program works. informal
"The game's developers released a demo version to the public 3 months before the full release."
- 7 A non-interactive audiovisual computer program developed by enthusiasts to demonstrate the capabilities of the machine. See demoscene. informal
"Effect 6: Gouraud spacecut - Probably the worst effect in the demo - has been done miles better before!"
- 8 A democrat. informal
- 9 A demographic group. collective, informal
"No more ‘is it good?’ or even ‘is it original?’, only ‘does it work in the demo?’ – ‘demo’ as in ‘demographics’, not to be confused with ‘democracy’, much less ‘demonstration’."
- 10 Demolition. informal
"The demo portion of the reno project is the relatively fast and inexpensive part. The rebuilding takes more time and money."
Verb
- 1 To record a demo version of a song, usually not intended for commercial release. informal
"The band demoed thirty songs. Their manager thought that ten of the songs would make a good record."
- 2 To demolish (especially a house or fixture). informal
"This means we are going to demo the house to the dirt, or hopefully leave one wall standing."
- 3 give an exhibition of to an interested audience wordnet
- 4 To demonstrate. informal
Adjective
- 1 designed to test consumers' interest in a retail item prior to purchasing. not-comparable
"This Nutty Kid leavin' 'Crazy Face Selfies' On Demo Products..."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "demo"?
Common synonyms include: demonstration, demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstration session, design a prototype, display.
How do you use "demo" in a sentence?
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo.
How do you pronounce "demo"?
Pronounced /ˈdɛm.oʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Clipping of demonstration and various other words beginning with "demo-".
Etymology 2
Clipping of demonstrate.
Etymology 3
Clipping of demolish.