English · Word Candidate

demo

/ˈdɛm.əʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: demos · demoing · demoed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A demonstration or visual explanation.

NounRegister: informal

The professor prepared a demo to help her class understand the topic.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A recording of a song meant to demonstrate its overall sound for the purpose of getting it published or recorded more fully.

NounRegister: informal

After hearing the demo, the record label approved funding to record the song with a full band.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

designed to test consumers' interest in a retail item prior to purchasing.

Adjective

This Nutty Kid leavin' 'Crazy Face Selfies' On Demo Products...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To record a demo version of a song, usually not intended for commercial release.

VerbRegister: informal

The band demoed thirty songs. Their manager thought that ten of the songs would make a good record.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “demo” mean?

A demonstration or visual explanation.

Is “demo” formal or informal?

demo is generally informal.