grandstand

1 of 3

noun

grand·​stand ˈgran(d)-ˌstand How to pronounce grandstand (audio)
Synonyms of grandstandnext
1
: a usually roofed stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium
2
: audience

grandstand

2 of 3

adjective

: done for show or to impress onlookers

grandstand

3 of 3

verb

grandstanded; grandstanding; grandstands

intransitive verb

: to play or act so as to impress onlookers

Examples of grandstand in a Sentence

Adjective The outfielder made a grandstand play out of what should have been a routine catch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Organizers just announced tonight and tomorrow's grandstand shows are canceled. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Special Abilities Day was canceled for 2026, and Wednesday and Thursday’s grandstand events were also canceled. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Might that be because this particular partner would include politicians prone to grandstanding — or, alternatively, focused more on mundane issues such as schools and crime than on horse racing? — Stephen J. K. Walters, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026 Florida Attorney General James Ulthmeier once again is grandstanding and sticking his nose into a national issue. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandstand

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1883, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandstand was in 1754

Rhymes for grandstand

See All Rhymes for grandstand

Browse Nearby Words

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
grandstand
grandstander
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandstand. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grandstand

noun
grand·​stand
-ˌstand
: a usually roofed stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium

More from Merriam-Webster on grandstand

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grandstand

Nglish: Translation of grandstand for Spanish Speakers

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