demonstration

The word “demonstration” means an act of showing or explaining how something works. In plain terms, either showing someone how something works, or a public protest, or proof of something.

“Demonstration” is pronounced deh-muhn-STRAY-shuhn (/dɛmənˈstɹeɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “demonstration” used in a sentence: “The store gave a free demonstration of the new blender.”

“Demonstration” is a noun.

The word “demonstration” comes from Latin. From Old French demonstration, from Latin dēmōnstrātiōnem, from dēmōnstrāre, "to show or explain.".

“Demonstration” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Demonstration” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an act of showing or explaining how something works.

A demonstration is any public gathering held to express a shared opinion, and a protest is specifically one that expresses objection or disapproval. Most demonstrations are protests, but a demonstration can also show support for a cause. Protest emphasizes what the crowd is against; demonstration emphasizes the public showing of opinion itself.

Both are public gatherings around a shared opinion or cause. A rally is usually organized to build enthusiasm and support, often centred on speeches in one place, while a demonstration more often involves marching or visible public protest. In news reporting the two words frequently overlap.

For the showing sense, you give a demonstration: "The chef gave a demonstration of the technique." For the public-gathering sense, you hold, stage, or take part in a demonstration. Choosing the right verb signals which meaning you intend.

Yes, in informal contexts — demo is standard shorthand for a product or software demonstration, and in British English it is also common for a protest, as in "an anti-war demo." In formal writing, demonstration is the safer choice for every sense.