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• Dem
  Dem

  noun

  a member of the Democratic Party.
• dem.
  dem.

  abbreviation

  demonstrative.
• Dem.
  Dem.

  abbreviation

  Democrat.

Dem

¹ American  

[dem] / dɛm /

noun

Informal.

1. a member of the Democratic Party.

2. the Dems, the Democratic Party.

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dem. ² American  

abbreviation

1. demonstrative.

2. demurrage.

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Dem. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Democrat.

2. Democratic.

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Dem. British  

abbreviation

1. Democrat(ic)

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Etymology

Origin of Dem

1830–40, shortening of Democrat ( def. 3a )

Compare meaning

How does dem compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• G.O.P. vs. Dem

Example Sentences

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the policy was designed to end the "national scandal where millions can't afford the most basic energy they need".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Instead, Democrats “have an option of like moderate Dem to slightly less-moderate Dem,” said Matt Lesenyie, an assistant professor of political science at Cal State Long Beach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

In Wales, the party's leader Jane Dodds returned to the Senedd but remains the only Lib Dem in the Welsh parliament.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

A Reform UK candidate, who is a doctor, sprung into action to make sure the Lib Dem candidate was okay when he fell about 4am at the Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Dem sho' is nice ones you got dere on de she'f, and oyster soup and rice soup and all lac dat.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume I, Alabama Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration