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
Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Provided by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Miami in a day
Miami’s beaches were once the city’s sole spotlight.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025
Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
Actor Elijah Wood is the sole juror for the Next section, spotlighting emerging filmmakers.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spotlight 
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Noun
The special also shines a spotlight on the next generation of superstars, with Reese leading the charge.
—Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Provided by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Miami in a day
Miami’s beaches were once the city’s sole spotlight.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
On Sunday, just days after Maxine’s Combs’ investigation The Fall of Diddy began streaming on Max, where as of press time it is listed as the platform’s No. 2 show, the company is up for a Grammy for the Paramount+ film June, which spotlights the life and work of June Carter Cash.
—Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
Actor Elijah Wood is the sole juror for the Next section, spotlighting emerging filmmakers.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 31 Jan. 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 4 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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