spotlight

1 of 2

noun

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

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting

transitive verb

1

: to illuminate with a spotlight

2

: to direct attention to : highlight

Synonyms

Noun

• catbird seat
• center stage
• limelight
• top billing

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

Noun

While many who studied NASA focused on the lack of psychological safety, Camarda builds on this by shining a spotlight on the decreasing research culture which would have discovered anomalies and ​​can prevent catastrophes in high risk/high reliability situations. —Dr. Ruth Gotian, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Joy to the Polls will also help Rudetsky and Jackson spotlight pop-up musical performances taking place at polling places in North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Although recent data has painted a picture of a flourishing US economy, housing affordability remains a weak spot, stressing voters and prompting both candidates to spotlight the issue. —Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024

Jake charted what’s been happening in between, spotlighting creative issues, culture clashes, facility woes and some below-par screen testers. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing spotlight

• in the spotlight
• the spotlight
• turned/put the spotlight on
• under the media spotlight

Kids 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