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)

, grand·stand·ed, grand·stand·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈgrandˌstander, noun

Other Words From

• grand·stand·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grandstand¹

First recorded in 1915–20; grand + stand

Example Sentences

The main grandstands, front straight, pit road and pit road suites, which are all that remain of the old raceway, are to be incorporated into the new racing venue.

From Los Angeles Times

Both sides of parliament dismissed it as disrespectful and a failed attempt at grandstanding.

From BBC

To follow Harris’ expression of sorrow for her loss with “...But do you want to answer her?” is needless grandstanding, not fact-finding pressure.

From Salon

When the end does come, after 24 of the toughest hours of their athletic lives, there is no glorious finish line or roaring grandstand.

From BBC

Rather than grandstanding like this, Congress should spend its time considering the privacy and free speech arguments offered by the ban’s opponents.

From Salon

Related Words

• show off