demo

/ˈdɛmoʊ/

/ˈdɛməʊ/

Other forms: demos; demoing; demoed

A demo is what you give to show how something works. You might give a demo of your fancy new espresso machine to your weekend guests, so they'll know how to use it.

Demo is short for demonstrate or demonstration. It can be a verb, as when a tech company demos its new tablet or laptop. It's also a noun: "The demo of that software was pretty interesting." In the music industry, a demo is a practice version of a song, meant to show a record label or music venue what a performer's music sounds like. This meaning's been around since the 1960s, while earlier it meant "a political demonstration."

Definitions of demo

1. noun

   a visual presentation showing how something works
   synonyms: demonstration

   types:

   display, show

   something intended to communicate a particular impression

   expression, manifestation, reflection, reflexion

   expression without words

   exemplification, illustration

   showing by example

   lamentation, mourning

   the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief

   big stick

   a display of force or power

   gaudery, pomp

   cheap or pretentious or vain display

   act

   a manifestation of insincerity

   blowup, ebullition, effusion, gush, outburst

   an unrestrained expression of emotion

   type of:

   visual communication

   communication that relies on vision
2. verb

   give an exhibition of to an interested audience
   “We will demo the new software in Washington”

   synonyms: demonstrate, exhibit, present, show

   types:

   bring home

   make understandable and clear

   curate

   select and present content or information

   type of:

   show

   make visible or noticeable