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
Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024
The restaurant can also be used to host collaborative pop-ups, helping to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming chefs.
—Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024
Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
The Brutalist offers a dark view of American society that could resonate under a Trump restoration, while Nickel Boys spotlights the victims of institutional violence.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spotlight 
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Noun
Caldwell originally dreamed up of the Devil’s Thumb climb as a way to shine a spotlight on the Tongass National Forest.
—Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024
The restaurant can also be used to host collaborative pop-ups, helping to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming chefs.
—Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week.
—Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
The Brutalist offers a dark view of American society that could resonate under a Trump restoration, while Nickel Boys spotlights the victims of institutional violence.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
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 21 Nov. 2024.
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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