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

As a presenter, he got himself noticed when he stood in for Des Lynam on the Saturday afternoon sports show Grandstand, in 1997.

From BBC

After beginning her career at STV's Scotsport in 1987, she has amassed TV sporting credits including the World Cup, London Marathon, Ski Sunday, BBC Grandstand and Wimbledon.

From BBC

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

It was a long approach, the tournament was on the line, thousands upon thousands were watching - a genuine grandstand finish.

From BBC

But she also lambasted the SNP, who she accused of taking voters in Scotland for granted and using its platform in Parliament to “grandstand”.

From BBC

Related Words

• show off