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
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
From up in the rafters, a single spotlight coldly blazed.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Four more upstairs include a posh primary suite flaunting a fireplace, a separate sitting area with a balcony, dual walk-in closets, and a bath spotlighted by a Hydro Systems soaking tub.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
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Noun
The new 120-seat restaurant places a spotlight on the French Italian Riviera and its cuisine—all while using those ingredients found a littler closer to Swikard’s home.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
From up in the rafters, a single spotlight coldly blazed.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Best Restaurants El Moro Spirits and Tavern Step inside this former saloon for a menu of creative craft drinks and food that spotlights seasonal, local ingredients.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Four more upstairs include a posh primary suite flaunting a fireplace, a separate sitting area with a balcony, dual walk-in closets, and a bath spotlighted by a Hydro Systems soaking tub.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 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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