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
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
Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2025
The legal industry stands apart—and the resulting spotlight is not flattering.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
Trump’s move to pull the plug on Stefanik’s appointment spotlights the major wave of Democratic wins in special elections across the nation since Trump returned to the White House.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
That happens to play into an overall trend developing this season in which, post-LA wildfires, there is a spotlight on the shows that shot in California.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2025
The legal industry stands apart—and the resulting spotlight is not flattering.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Beyond economic benefits, 4/20 has also spotlighted the social justice aspect of cannabis reform.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
Trump’s move to pull the plug on Stefanik’s appointment spotlights the major wave of Democratic wins in special elections across the nation since Trump returned to the White House.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 4 Apr. 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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