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

These tall, usually slim, cabinets with shelving, spotlights, and glass doors were so popular for a reason. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2024

Johnson is looking to not only better himself, but shine a spotlight on the school. —Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2024

Verb

The show, which Rose developed with director Elina Street, spotlights the couple dozen lesbian bars remaining in the U.S. — a handful compared with the hundreds that existed decades ago. —Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2024

This event prompted global outrage and spotlighted the insurgent group’s brutal tactics. —Stephanie Busari, CNN, 10 June 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