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

Other than grandstanding, there are no tangible benefits attached to Pelosi’s visit.

From Time

He said he wanted Thompson in that role because the committee needed a leader who would be focused on the investigation, and not see it as an opportunity to grandstand or score political points.

From Time

Lawmakers were quick to grandstand about the importance of the new legislation.

From Time

For them, grandstanding against Jackson is a no-lose proposition.

From Washington Post

Pessimists expected a return to the miserable grind of grandstanding speeches and blocked votes.

From Time

And my father is a jockey so when I saw his picture I knew it was a grandstand at a racetrack.

From The Daily Beast

Everyone knew it, because when the ambulance pulled away from the grandstand, it was not going fast.

From The Daily Beast

A black dude in the grandstand behind Seiler began a funky dance in the aisle, wildly thrashing about in a cream-colored suit.

From The Daily Beast

Before the race she met dignitaries in the grandstand, including Amanda Elliott, the vice chairman of the Victoria Racing Club.

From The Daily Beast

He began his career with NBC as a co-host of the football pre-game show GrandStand.

From The Daily Beast

In front of the grandstand stretched a wide, green field, enclosed with a low fence.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile Tom, on the grandstand, was seeing them, and being very proud of his relationship to the Ship o the Fiend.

From Project Gutenberg

In the grandstand a group of girls and boys belonging to Riverport had gathered early, having seats adjacent.

From Project Gutenberg

They were in the grandstand, each willing and glad to forget, for the moment, just how weirdly wonderful life was.

From Project Gutenberg

A hush fell over the grandstand as the home players took their places on the diamond.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• show off