grandstand

[gran-stand, grand-]

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.

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

/ 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 )

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• grandstander noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grandstand¹

First recorded in 1915–20; grand + stand

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

This is one of those grandstanding populist ideas that won’t do much beyond deterring good businessmen and women from running for office.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• show off