spotlight

1 of 2

noun

spot·​light ˈspät-ˌlīt 

1

a

: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage

b

: public notice or attention

held the political spotlight

2

a

: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area

b

: something that illuminates brilliantly

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1

: to illuminate with a spotlight

2

: to direct attention to : highlight

Synonyms

Noun

• catbird seat
• center stage
• limelight
• top billing

Examples of spotlight in a Sentence

Noun

They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage.

A spotlight moved across the stage.

The actor stood in the spotlight.

a baseball star who hates the spotlight

They're always in the spotlight.

The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems.

Verb

She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.

The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Eager to seize both a potential policy opportunity and bask in a rare celebrity-adjacent spotlight, lawmakers in both parties have already begun offering up bills slashing various government agencies and directly addressing Mr. Musk on his social media platform. —Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Flexible funding from supporters will help UNICEF continue to meet the needs of children and families in Burkina Faso and other countries whose crises remain out of the media spotlight, and advance equity in humanitarian action. —Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

Nonetheless, Phelps spotlighted the need for adjustments that align with the racing industry's evolving technology. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

This delectable assortment of soups from Jane Foodie spotlights six of Jane’s most beloved flavors, including butternut squash soup and Guinness beef stew, along with the company’s mini loaves of either white bread or honey oat. —Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing spotlight

• in the spotlight
• the spotlight
• turned/put the spotlight on
• under the media spotlight

Kids Definition

spotlight

1 of 2 noun

spot·​light ˈspät-ˌlīt 

1

a

: a spot of light used to light up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)

b

: public notice

2

: a light designed to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area

spotlight

2 of 2 verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

1

: to light up with a spotlight

2

: to bring to public attention