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
Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
As such, this hiccup and the media attention surrounding it, provide an unintended, but positive, spotlight on the new name and the forthcoming launch.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025
Hannah Hur, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
The foundation will also host artist residencies and temporary exhibitions spotlighting emerging and established artists working in the field of ceramics.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
The 27-track album became a huge catalyst for the recent spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's roots.
—Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
As such, this hiccup and the media attention surrounding it, provide an unintended, but positive, spotlight on the new name and the forthcoming launch.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Changemakers is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.
—Hannah Hur, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
The foundation will also host artist residencies and temporary exhibitions spotlighting emerging and established artists working in the field of ceramics.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 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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