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
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
Synonyms
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
Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
The latest: The performance put New Orleans' culture, and especially New Orleans' Black culture, in the world's biggest spotlight.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 9 Feb. 2025
Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s also a chance that the Super Bowl Halftime Show goes back to spotlighting rock acts, with Metallica and Linkin Park’s new lineup as great contenders.
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spotlight 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Noun
While Lamar himself is not a defendant in the lawsuit, his halftime performance ensured the song—and its message—remained in the public spotlight.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
The latest: The performance put New Orleans' culture, and especially New Orleans' Black culture, in the world's biggest spotlight.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
The event spotlights 70 exhibitors such as Lockheed Martin, Florida Space Institute, Surprise Studios, Minorities in Shark Science and UCF’s Disability, Aging & Technology Faculty Cluster and its robot dogs.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s also a chance that the Super Bowl Halftime Show goes back to spotlighting rock acts, with Metallica and Linkin Park’s new lineup as great contenders.
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spotlight
Dictionary Entries Near spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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