grandstand

[gran-stand, grand-] /ˈgrænˌstænd, ˈgrænd-/
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.
3.
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
4.
situated in a grandstand:
grandstand seats.
5.
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.
6.
intended to impress an onlooker or onlookers:
a grandstand catch.
Origin
1835-45; grand + stand
Related forms
grandstander, noun
Examples from the web for grandstand
  • The outdoor grandstand reeked of cheap liquor and the occasional pool of vomit.
  • Only a small section of the grandstand is open to the public.
  • For that matter, there is no good reason to have a debt ceiling other than to give politicians a chance to grandstand.
  • There is a shaded grandstand for news conferences and where reporters are setting up their typewriters and recorders.
  • It went left and over the green, lodging under the grandstand.
British Dictionary definitions for grandstand

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
4.
(intransitive) (informal, mainly US & Canadian) to behave ostentatiously in an attempt to impress onlookers
Derived Forms
grandstander, noun
Word Origin and History for grandstand
n.

"main seating for spectators at an outdoor event," 1834, from grand (adj.)+ stand. The verb meaning "to show off" is student slang from 1895, from grandstand player, attested in baseball slang from 1888.

It's little things of this sort which makes the 'grand stand player.' They make impossible catches, and when they get the ball they roll all over the field. [M.J. Kelly, "Play Ball," 1888]
Cf. British gallery hit (1882) "showy play by a batsman in cricket, 'intended to gain applause from uncritical spectators'" [OED]. Related: grandstanding.

Slang definitions & phrases for grandstand

grandstand

modifier

: a grandstand catch

verb

To play or perform in a brilliant and spectacular way, esp in order to get the approval of an audience; hot dog, show off: Coach told him to stop grandstanding and take care of business (1895+ Students)