limelight

1 of 2

noun

lime·​light ˈlīm-ˌlīt 

1

a

: a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam

b

: the white light produced by such an instrument

c

British : spotlight

2

: the center of public attention

limelight

2 of 2

verb

limelighted; limelighting; limelights

transitive verb

: to center attention on : spotlight

Synonyms of limelight

Noun

• spotlight
• attention

Examples of limelight in a Sentence

Noun

an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The majority have no chance of making it into the 120-seat Parliament — but a quirk of the Israeli election system ensures that even the most obscure contenders get their moment in the political limelight. — Lia Lapidot Aaron Boxerman and Lia Lapidot, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Yet somehow, the 469 square miles of New York City tend to hog all the limelight. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026

There, limelight hydrangeas decorate a peaceful wedge above the hustle of summertime New York City, and Torres is smiling. — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing limelight

• share the limelight
• the limelight
• thrust into the limelight

Rhymes for limelight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

limelight

noun

lime·​light

ˈlīm-ˌlīt

: the center of public attention