WordGarden.iodemo
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɛməʊ/
US
- /ˈdɛmoʊ/
Meanings
Noun
(informal)a presentation or sample showing how a product, feature, skill, or process works
a trial or sample version of a software program or video game
a public protest or political march
More meaningsFewer meanings
a rough sample recording used to present a song, artist, or musical idea
Verb
(informal)to tear down or strip out part or all of a building before rebuilding
Beyond the definition
A "demo" usually means a brief demonstration of how something works. A chef might run a cooking demo, or a salesperson might show a new car in action. In tech, a demo often means a limited trial version of software or a game, letting you test it before buying the full version. It can also be used in music, where a demo is a rough early recording of a song before it is polished.
The word "demo" is a flexible shorthand used in many fields, mainly as a short form of demonstration or demolition.
Most of the time it means a live show-and-tell. You might join a product demo where a company shows a new gadget, watch a chef run a recipe demo, or see a "demo" of a new workout plan. In this use, the goal is to show the value of something through a quick, practical example.
In music, a demo is a rough, first recording of a song before the final version is produced. It is often used to share an idea with bandmates, producers, or labels before it is polished.
In technology, a demo can be a trial version of software or a game, sometimes with limited features or only part of the full content. Think of it as a free test ride: enough to understand what the final product does.
The word can also be used as a verb in everyday speech. Saying "Let me demo this feature for you" means "let me show you how it works."
And in construction, "demo" is short for demolition when walls, cabinets, or other parts are being torn down. You may hear phrases like "demo day" on a renovation timeline or "demo derby" in motorsport. Across these uses, a demo is always about a clear action shown or done in practice.
Examples
- 1
Sales presentation
The sales team gave us a quick demo of the new software.
- 2
Product learning
I watched the demo and finally understood how the camera works.
- 3
Trial version
You can try the demo before you buy the full game.
- 4
Music recording
She recorded a demo at home and sent it to a few record labels.
- Domainin music, a demo
a simple recording that shows your songs or voice
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
App demonstration
We need someone to demo the app for the clients tomorrow.
- Patterndemo + product/app
show how it works
- 6
Public protest
Thousands of people joined the demo in the city center on Saturday.
- Usage
in British English, a demo can also mean a public protest
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- walkthrough
- preview
Contrast
- final product
- explanation
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- give a demo
- live demo
- product demo
- software demo
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- demonounverb
Forms
- demospluralnounverb