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
Synonyms
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
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 May 2024
The high-profile charges have plunged the British-dependent territory and its tough new firearms law into the global spotlight, with some critics calling for visitors to boycott the popular tourist destination located 600 miles southeast of Florida.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spotlight 
Noun
The Callum Skye is finally ready for its spotlight.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 May 2024
The high-profile charges have plunged the British-dependent territory and its tough new firearms law into the global spotlight, with some critics calling for visitors to boycott the popular tourist destination located 600 miles southeast of Florida.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spotlight
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spotlight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share