limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
1
a
: a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam
b
: the white light produced by such an instrument
c
British : spotlight
2
: the center of public attention

limelight

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Samsung is hoping to steal some of Apple’s limelight by launching a major new sale event on the day the iPhone 16 will be announced. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 In short: Vice President Kamala Harris, thrust on Sunday into a brighter limelight — more on limes later — after President Biden quit the presidential race and endorsed her, is having a digital cultural moment. Neenma Ebeledike, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024 America the haunted, God shed His limelight on thee. Sam Kestenbaum, Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024 Few even remember a time when companies avoided the political limelight. Alison Taylor, Harvard Business Review, 6 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for limelight 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'limelight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near limelight

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

limelight

noun
lime·​light
ˈlīm-ˌlīt
: the center of public attention

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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