limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt How to pronounce limelight (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Despite his wealth and influence he was known for studiously avoiding personal publicity and the media limelight. Patrick Frater, Variety, 28 Nov. 2024 Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner said Tuesday his office is prepared for potential security issues as officials continued to prepare for the national limelight ahead of the general election. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 But while the memes and shares have in many ways defined the 2024 US presidential election, there's a whole world of moments that have occurred outside of the viral limelight. Alyssa Walker, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 The weight of his last eight years in the political limelight, and the end of his days campaigning, appeared on the mind of the ex-president Monday night. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for limelight 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limelight was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near limelight

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limelight. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

limelight

noun
lime·​light
ˈlīm-ˌlīt
: the center of public attention

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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