grandstand

American  

[gran-stand, grand-] / ˈgrænˌstænd, ˈgrænd- /

noun

1. the main seating area of a stadium, racetrack, parade route, or the like, usually consisting of tiers with rows of individual seats.

2. the people sitting in these seats.

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verb (used without object)

grandstanded, grandstanding

1. to conduct oneself or perform showily or ostentatiously in an attempt to impress onlookers.

   The senator doesn't hesitate to grandstand if it makes her point.

adjective

1. situated in a grandstand.

   grandstand seats.

2. having a vantage point resembling that of a grandstand.

   From our office windows on the third floor, we had a grandstand view of the parade.

3. intended to impress an onlooker or onlookers.

   a grandstand catch.

grandstand British  

/ ˈɡrænˌstænd, ˈɡrænd- /

noun

1. 1. a terraced block of seats, usually under a roof, commanding the best view at racecourses, football pitches, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      grandstand tickets

2. the spectators in a grandstand

3. (modifier) as if from a grandstand; unimpeded (esp in the phrase grandstand view )

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verb

1. informal (intr) to behave ostentatiously in an attempt to impress onlookers

Other Word Forms

• grandstander noun

Etymology

Origin of grandstand

First recorded in 1915–20; grand + stand

Example Sentences

“Dead Man” takes aim at hypocritical strong men who grandstand on a pulpit.

From Los Angeles Times

George Ford's conversion and penalty pushed England 11 points clear, only for Rodrigo Isgro's converted try in the final minute to set up a grandstand last play.

From BBC

The car had been taking part in a race in the town of Walcha on Saturday night when it drove through a fence and hit the grandstand, New South Wales police said in a statement.

From BBC

She hurled her golf ball into the grandstand, wiped away tears and was hugged by her husband, David Esch.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, officials “chose grandstanding instead of the normal process” and arrested Williamson at home Wednesday, despite her being seriously ill and in need of a liver transplant, Scott said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• show off