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

According to Kyslytsia, these dealings are business-like and generally free of the sort of political and historical grandstanding seen elsewhere by Moscow.

From BBC

Elon Musk has made several grandstanding predictions about when he believes humankind will reach the red planet.

From The Wall Street Journal

The machines, which allow people to bet on past horse races in a slot-machine-type format, were put into the grandstand area of Santa Anita on Thursday with no notice.

From Los Angeles Times

View-blocking umbrellas are prohibited in parade grandstands and along the route.

From Los Angeles Times

Umbrellas are prohibited in the parade grandstands, and spectators are encouraged to leave them at home if they’re standing elsewhere along the route, said Candy Carlson, a spokesperson for the Tournament of Roses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• show off