Definition

Noun: 1. An outdoor grandstand without a roof; patrons are exposed to the sun as linens are when they are bleached: A structure, typically made of tiered benches or seats, that is open to the sky and provides inexpensive seating for spectators at sporting events or other outdoor gatherings. The name humorously compares the effect of the sun on spectators to the bleaching of laundry.

Usage

• The word "bleachers" is almost always used in its plural form, even when referring to a single structure.
• It is commonly preceded by a preposition like "in," "on," or "from" to indicate location.
• It is often associated with baseball, softball, and other outdoor sports.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We bought cheap tickets and sat in the bleachers to watch the baseball game.
  • The home run ball landed in the left-field bleachers.
  • From our seats on the bleachers, we had a perfect view of the parade.

Advanced Usage

• "The bleacher creatures": A colloquial term, sometimes used by sports commentators, to refer to the enthusiastic and often rowdy fans who sit in the inexpensive bleacher seats.
  • The bleacher creatures cheered loudly for every play.

Variants and Related Words

• Bleacher (noun, rare singular form): A single bench or tier within the larger "bleachers" structure. This form is seldom used.
• Grandstand (noun): A larger, often roofed, stand for spectators. "Bleachers" are a specific type of simple, unroofed grandstand.
• Stand (noun): A general term for a structure with rows of seats for spectators.

Synonyms

• Open-air stands
• Tiered seating (descriptive)
• Benches (though this is less specific to spectator sports)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Bleacher seats": A phrase specifying the type of seating, emphasizing its inexpensive and exposed nature.
  • We could only afford bleacher seats for the concert.

Noun

1. an outdoor grandstand without a roof; patrons are exposed to the sun as linens are when they are bleached