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

He added: "The country is at breaking point, yet has been Swinney would rather grandstand than put his own people first."

From BBC

There is also an issue, as time goes by, with where the grandstands are located at each track.

From BBC

The grandstand will be on the main straight, opposite the pit lane.

From BBC

A series of missteps, grandstanding, geopolitics and domestic political pressure seem to have broken down the negotiations.

From BBC

Sublime centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root looked to have England coasting to their target, only for India's outstanding seamers to deliver a grandstand finale.

From BBC

Related Words

• show off