noun
grandstand
GRANS-tand
Grandstand (noun) means the main covered seating area at a stadium, racetrack, or arena. Example: “They had tickets in the grandstand, right above the finish line.”
noun
1
The main covered seating area at a stadium, racetrack, or arena.
"They had tickets in the grandstand, right above the finish line."
verb
1
To perform or behave in a showy way purely to win an audience's approval.
"The senator was accused of grandstanding for the cameras instead of debating policy."
How to use grandstand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, the main seating area at a sports venue; as a verb, to show off for an audience rather than act sincerely.
When to use it
The verb sense is often critical, implying the behavior is more about image than substance.
Common pairings
seats in the grandstand
grandstanding politician
grandstand play
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Word forms
- Plural
- grandstands
- Third person singular
- grandstands
- Past tense
- grandstanded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They had tickets in the _____, right above the finish line.
Etymology
A compound of "grand" and "stand," originally describing the main seating stand at a racecourse.
Synonyms
View more →
covered stand
Rhymes for grandstand
See all rhymes for grandstand →Frequently asked questions
What does “grandstand” mean?
The word “grandstand” means the main covered seating area at a stadium, racetrack, or arena. In plain terms, as a noun, the main seating area at a sports venue; as a verb, to show off for an audience rather than act sincerely.
How do you pronounce “grandstand”?
“Grandstand” is pronounced GRANS-tand (/ˈɡɹæn(d)stænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “grandstand” in a sentence?
Here is “grandstand” used in a sentence: “They had tickets in the grandstand, right above the finish line.”
What part of speech is “grandstand”?
Depending on how it is used, “grandstand” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “grandstand” have?
“Grandstand” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main covered seating area at a stadium, racetrack, or arena.
