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
Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
YouTube show Pop The Balloon will become a live dating show on Netflix, with the streamer releasing its own weekly spin on series best known for giving judging a person at face value its very own spotlight.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Out Keep the conversation going after the winning hit by spotlighting viral moments, breakout performances, and meme-worthy reactions.
—Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
The Great Escape festival is held on an annual basis every May in the seaside city of Brighton, and spotlights emerging and rising talent from the U.K. and Ireland as well as international newcomers.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
YouTube show Pop The Balloon will become a live dating show on Netflix, with the streamer releasing its own weekly spin on series best known for giving judging a person at face value its very own spotlight.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Out Keep the conversation going after the winning hit by spotlighting viral moments, breakout performances, and meme-worthy reactions.
—Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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 23 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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