limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt 

1

a

: a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam

b

: the white light produced by such an instrument

c

British : spotlight

2

: the center of public attention

limelight

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Synonyms

Noun

• catbird seat
• center stage
• spotlight
• top billing

Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun

an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But Buffett hasn’t always been as anxious about the political limelight. —Greg McKenna, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

The bottom line Like an unwelcome ex-partner who shows up during the most inopportune times and refuses to leave, Treasury yields too have made a return and are hogging the market limelight. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024

However, the show wisely uses him sparingly as not to rob Kiryu and Nishiki of their limelight. —Isaiah Colbert, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024

The topic has pushed several county officials into the national limelight, and the board has consistently taken a unified and outspoken stance on the issue. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing limelight

• share the limelight
• the limelight
• thrust into the limelight

Kids Definition

limelight

noun

lime·​light

ˈlīm-ˌlīt

: the center of public attention